Weapons of Mass Destruction: Specters of the Nuclear Age

How and why the US created 70,000 nuclear weapons during the Cold War in chilling detail.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2017
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The Nuclear Age, which commenced with the discovery of the nucleus by Ernest Rutherford in 1911, had a profound impact on civilization. However, its true significance emerged with the deployment of atomic bombs against Japan during World War II. The development of atomic bombs forever altered the global landscape.

Initially, the United States possessed a single bomb following the devastating Nagasaki attack. However, over the course of the Cold War, the country embarked on a remarkable journey to construct an astounding 70,000 nuclear bombs. This staggering figure not only showcased the immense brinkmanship between the United States and the Soviet Union but also posed a significant threat to the populations of both nations.

The question of why so many bombs were deemed necessary during this period remains a subject of debate. Some argue that the fear of nuclear warfare and the need for a deterrent against potential Soviet aggression drove the development of these weapons. Others suggest that the arms race and the desire for military superiority played a significant role in the accumulation of nuclear arsenal.

The infrastructure required to build and deploy such a vast number of bombs was equally remarkable. It involved a complex network of research and development facilities, manufacturing plants, and storage facilities. Scientists, engineers, and technicians worked tirelessly to refine the design and efficiency of nuclear weapons, while military personnel were trained to handle and operate these weapons with utmost precision.

This book, through a collection of high-quality photographs, provides a detailed account of the full flowering of the warheads and delivery systems of the nuclear age. It showcases the technological advancements, scientific discoveries, and political decisions that shaped this era. By examining the development of nuclear weapons, this book sheds light on the profound impact of the Nuclear Age on world history and the ongoing challenges associated with nuclear proliferation and disarmament.

Weight: 1654g
Dimension: 240 x 310 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764354403