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To address the threat of an atomic-armed Soviet Union during the early days of the Cold War, President Harry Truman approved the Alert America exhibit as the most effective way to convey the destructive power of the atomic bomb and to encourage participation in civil defense. Following its debut in the nation's capital in January 1952, Alert America, promoted as "The Show That May Save Your Life," traveled in three separate convoys to more than eighty cities considered most likely to be bombed, and garnered unprecedented support from elected and civic officials, the media, the military, private industry, and myriad organizations. This is the first book to examine the scope and impact of Alert America, which has been largely overlooked by historians. Also included are resource materials providing insights into the government's overriding objective of preparing men, women and children to survive an atomic war.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Table of ContentsAlert America Pledge viii
Preface
Introduction: Victory, Apathy, and Alert America
One.¿America 1952
Two.¿"Paul Revere on Wheels"
Three.¿Crossing the Delaware
Four.¿"The Show That May Save Your Life"
Five.¿Convoys on the Road
Six.¿Women and Children on Alert
Seven.¿The Press Responds
Conclusion: After Effects
Appendix A: Alert America Campaign Progress Report
Appendix B: The "Alert America" Program for Your Community
Appendix C: Alert America! The Time Is Now!
Appendix D: Fact Sheet on "Alert America Convoy"
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
Über den Autor / die Autorin
Independent historian Michael Scheibach has written three books on the early Cold War and edited an anthology of governmental publications related to the atomic bomb and civil defense. He has a doctorate in American studies and taught for several years as an adjunct professor. He lives in Miami, Florida.
