Britain Tests Its First Atomic Bomb
On October 3, 1952, Britain detonated its first atomic bomb, Hurricane, off Western Australia.
The United States Conducts Its First Underground Nuclear Test
On September 19, 1957, the US fired Rainier, its first fully contained underground nuclear test, in a tunnel in Nevada.
The Soviet Union Tests the Tsar Bomba
On October 30, 1961, the Soviet Union detonated the Tsar Bomba, the largest nuclear blast ever.
Kennedy Announces the Cuba Quarantine
President Kennedy announced the discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba on October 22, 1962, and ordered a naval quarantine. The Cuban Missile Crisis began.
The Cuban Missile Crisis Ends
On October 28, 1962, Khrushchev announced the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba, ending the thirteen day Cuban missile crisis.
The Partial Test Ban Treaty Takes Effect
The Partial Test Ban Treaty took effect on October 10, 1963, ending nuclear tests in the atmosphere, in space and under water.
China Explodes Its First Atomic Bomb
China exploded its first atomic bomb at Lop Nur on October 16, 1964, becoming the fifth country with nuclear weapons.
China Tests a Nuclear-Armed Missile
On October 27, 1966, China carried out its first flight test of a nuclear-armed missile, which detonated at its target in the west.
Reagan and Gorbachev Meet at Reykjavik
Reagan and Gorbachev met at Reykjavik on October 11, 1986, and came close to abolishing nuclear weapons before talks broke down over SDI.
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Opens for Signature
On September 24, 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty opened for signature, banning all nuclear test explosions.