Which treaty, signed in 1987, eliminated intermediate-range nuclear missiles and led to thousands destroyed by 1991?

• A. Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)
• B. Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
• C. Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
• D. Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is recognizing a specific arms-control deal that targeted a whole class of weapons and had a concrete destruction timeline. The treaty signed in 1987 that eliminated intermediate-range nuclear missiles and saw thousands destroyed by 1991 is the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty.

This agreement specifically banned ground-launched missiles and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, deployed by the United States and the Soviet Union in Europe. It required the destruction of these missiles and their launchers, with on-site inspections to verify compliance. The focus on a clearly defined category of weapons and its rapid dismantling is what makes this the correct choice.

Other treaties address different issues or timeframes. For example, START deals with long-range strategic weapons and was signed in 1991; the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty aims to prevent spread of nuclear weapons rather than eliminate a category of missiles; and the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty from 1972 focuses on limiting defense systems rather than eliminating missiles.