Atoms for Peace and War, 1953-1961

Explore the critical juncture in modern history when nuclear technology transitioned from secretive military innovation to a defining force in global politics, economics, and society. Atoms for Peace and War: Eisenhower and the Atomic Energy Commission, 1953–1961 provides a comprehensive narrative of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s pivotal role in shaping nuclear policy during a transformative era. This authoritative account examines the evolution of atomic energy within the United States, charting its profound impact on military strategy, international diplomacy, and domestic economic development.

Spanning the years from Eisenhower’s secretive 1952 pre-inauguration briefing on nuclear technology to the conclusion of his presidency in 1961, this meticulously researched book delves into the operations of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), the debates over nuclear testing, and the challenges of international cooperation in the nuclear age. The work sheds light on groundbreaking initiatives like the "Atoms for Peace" program, the revision of the Atomic Energy Act, and efforts to promote nuclear power, while also addressing the controversies surrounding nuclear fallout, disarmament, and the revocation of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s security clearance.

Based on unprecedented access to classified materials from the Eisenhower Presidential Library, the AEC archives, and Department of State records, this volume offers unparalleled insight into the policy decisions, technological advancements, and ethical dilemmas that defined an era. A compelling blend of technical analysis and historical narrative, Atoms for Peace and War is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the origins of nuclear policy and its enduring implications for the modern world.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1989.