Which statement explains how the launch of Sputnik affected the Cold War arms race? A It convinced military leaders in the United States to begin developing an anti-ballistic missile defense shield. B It showed U. S. and Soviet leaders that conventional weapons were outdated, which led to a cut in defense spending in both nations. C It led to the development of long-range rockets that would enable the United States and the Soviet Union to attack each other directly. D It showed both superpowers how dangerous atomic weapons were, which prompted the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT).