Culture and the Atomic Bomb

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of the atomic bomb in U.S. history. Specifically, the writer analyzes the impact of the atomic bomb on American politics and culture in the decade-and-a-half after the explosion of the first Atomic weapon over Hiroshima. The writer notes that it changed the status of the United States in global politics and that it helped create the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Further the writer points out that it changed American culture almost overnight. The writer maintains that American politics would never be the same after the bombs exploded over Japan and notes that the threat of nuclear war still hangs over the globe today.

From the Paper:

"Magazines published graphic drawings of what to do in case of a nuclear attack, including the proper attire to protect from the "heat flash." While many things were changing in American culture, the roles of men and women were still quite distinct. Women had certain roles to fulfill in Civil Defense, such as hospital or medical work, driving cars, and childcare. Men, however, were more apt to serve as fire fighters, volunteer police, air-raid wardens, and rebuilding after an attack. As the country returned to normal after the war, women stayed home to raise the family, while men went off to work. It would take more than atomic bombs to change the acceptable roles women held in society, and it would not happen in the two decades following the bombing of Japan."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Bert the Turtle Public Service Announcement." Civil Defense Administration. (1950).
• "Graphic Illustrations of How to Respond to a Nuclear Attack." Major Problems in American History Since 1945. 135-136.
• "Mass. Gov. John Volpe Constructing Brick Bomb Shelter, 1961." Boston Herald.
• McCarthy, Senator Joseph. "Speech at Wheeling, West Virginia. (Feb 09, 1950)." 210-214.
• "Photograph of Miss Atomic Bomb, 1957 at the Sands Hotel, Las Vegas."

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