How did the concept of mutually assured destruction influence the Cold War?

Mutually assured destruction meant that if either the United States or the Soviet Union launched a nuclear attack, the other could retaliate and destroy both sides. This risk discouraged either country from starting a nuclear war and kept the threat of catastrophic destruction in people’s minds. Therefore, the correct choice is “It reminded people that a nuclear war would be devastating for everyone.”

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.