"In Case Atom Bombs Fall": An Anthology of Governmental Explanations, Instructions and Warnings from the 1940s to the 1960s

by Michael Scheibach (Editor)

Overview

With the very real possibility of nuclear war looming on the horizon from 1945 to the early 1960s, both federal and local governments took on the responsibility of educating Americans on how to survive the expected blasts, residual fallout, and radiation poisoning. Duck and cover drills, bomb shelters, and evacuation plans became an integral part of every citizen's daily life. This book provides a sampling of civil defense publications issued by government agencies and organizations during this era. Arranged thematically, the book includes sections covering the impact and power of the atomic bomb, radioactive fallout, women and the home, the importance of being prepared, civil defense in schools, fallout shelters, evacuation plans, and, finally, the call for "peace or … else."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786445417
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	08/24/2009
Pages:	228
Sales rank:	1,017,149
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction     
Prologue: This Is Civil Defense     

PART 1—THE A-BOMB
Hiroshima     
Atomic Basics     
Operation Crossroads     
Understanding the Atomic Bomb     
Six Survival Secrets for Atomic Attacks     

PART 2—RADIOACTIVE FALLOUT
From “Initial” to “Lingering” Fallout     
Facts About Fallout     
Nuclear Fallout     
Radioactivity Is Nothing New     
Fallout on the Farm     

PART 3—WOMEN AND THE HOME
The Bomb and the Baby     
Women in Civil Defense     
At Home!! Are You Prepared     
Grandma’s Pantry     
Home Defense Corps     
Home Defense Can Help You Prepare Now     
Medical Aides     

PART 4—BE PREPARED
Home Defense Pledge     
Operation Alert     
CONELRAD     
If You Have Had No Warning in an A-Bomb Attack     
Look to the Sky     
Plane Spotters     
What to Do If You’re Bombed     
Before and During an Atomic Attack     
Facts About the H Bomb     
Don’t Panic     
3 Minutes of Your Time     
Common Sense     

PART 5—DUCK AND COVER
“Atomics” in Education     
Atomic Activities     
The National Defense Pattern     
Prepare for the Worst     
School Shelters     

PART 6—FIND SHELTER
Survival Requirements     
Shelter Supplies     
Shelter from Fallout     
Shelter Preparation     
Before Disaster Strikes     
Know How to Survive     
If an Attack Occurs     

PART 7—EVACUATE
Highways for Civil Defense     
Evacuation Guide     
Will to Survive     
Value of Shelters     
Survival of the Fittest     
Evacuation Rules and Routes     
4 Wheels to Survival     
Don’t Be There     

PART 8—PEACE ... OR ELSE
It Could Happen Here!     
“Atoms for Peace”     
Nuclear Test Ban Treaty     
Postscript: First Steps Toward Recovery     
Save This Book     

Bibliography of Civil Defense Publications, 1950–1965     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

a very intriguing and insightful volume...a fine addition”—Midwest Book Review.

From the Publisher

a very intriguing and insightful volume...a fine addition

Midwest Book Review