2008 Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Mint, Sheet of 4 Stamps, Gambia

Sheet Commemorates Historic Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

This sheet shows President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev, the leaders of the two strongest nations at the time. On August 5, 1963, the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom signed the treaty that banned the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, in space, and...  more

Sheet Commemorates Historic Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

This sheet shows President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev, the leaders of the two strongest nations at the time. On August 5, 1963, the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom signed the treaty that banned the testing of nuclear weapons in the atmosphere, in space, and underwater. It was the culmination of eight years of talks.

During the 1960 candidate, Kennedy had taken a strong stand for limiting nuclear testing. The Soviet Union was reluctant to join in talks because they didn’t want foreign inspectors at their underground sights. After the Cuban Missile Crisis, both countries realized how close to nuclear war they had come and were ready to discuss ways to limit weapons.

Kennedy gave the commencement address at American University in June 1963 and announced new rounds of negotiations. The agreement was signed two months later, on the eve of the 18th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing.