Continental defense in the Eisenhower era
Subtitle: nuclear antiaircraft arms and the Cold War
By: Christopher J. Bright
Edition: 1st ed.
Series: Palgrave studies in the history of science and technology
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: 2010
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 280
ISBN-13: 9780230623408
Subjects: Antiaircraft missiles; Politics and government; Nuclear weapons; Government policy; National security; Military policy; Foreign relations; History
Description: Thousands of nuclear antiaircraft arms were designed, tested and deployed in the United States during Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency. These Army "Nike-Hercules" missiles, Air Force "Genie" rockets, and "BOMARC" and "Falcon" missiles were meant to counter a raid by attacking Soviet bombers. U.S. policy makers believed that the American weapons could safely compensate for technological limitations which otherwise made it difficult to destroy high flying, fast moving airplanes. This book traces this armament from conception through deployment. The author recounts official actions, doctrinal decisions, and public policies. It also discusses the widespread acceptance of these weapons by the American public, a result of being touted in news releases, featured in films and television episodes, and disseminated throughout society as a whole.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.