The Bomb Test Programs1946 - 1963

Art work by Grant Powell

Between 16 July 1945 and 23 September 1992 the United States of America conducted (by official count) 1054 nuclear tests, and two nuclear attacks. Whatare the reasons and results?

List of US atmospheric Bomb tests

1Pacific Ocean1955Wigwam14Nevada Test Site1955Teapot

6Bikini AtollEnewetak Atoll1954Castle

11Nevada Test Site1953Upshot-Knothole2Enewetak Atoll1952Ivy7Nevada Test Site1951Tumbler-Snapper7Nevada Test Site1951Buster-Jangle4Enewetak Atoll1951Greenhouse5Nevada Test Site1951Ranger3Enewetak Atoll1948Sandstone2Bikini Atoll1946Crossroads#LocationYearOperation

Pacific Atolls and Nevada desert areas

56Nevada Test SiteNellis Air Force Range

1962-1963

Storax(with Sunbeam and Roller Coaster)

36Christmas IslandJohnston IslandCentral Pacific

1962Dominic(with Fishbowl)

32Nevada Test Site1961-1962Nougat

37Nevada Test Site1958Hardtack II

3South Atlantic1958Argus

35Bikini AtollEnewetak AtollJohnston Island

1958Hardtack I

2Nevada Test Site1958Project 58 A

2Nevada Test Site1957Project 58

30Nevada Test Site1957Plumbbob

17Bikini AtollEnewetak Atoll1956Redwing

4Nevada Test Site1955Project 56

316 tests until October 10, 1963; Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Preparation of PopulationTest program needed psychological preparation of populationdown-playing internal impact while up-playing external enemy

familiarizing population and society through media & propaganda

Play-Down of DangersPresenting Nukes just as “bigger conventional” weaponsSuggesting a “Communist take over” as bigger evilBelittling the threat and dangers of radiation exposureDeclaring potential damage as manageable.Rapid Growth of “Fear Industry”!

In movies, shelters, and protection devices

Reporter Burchett wrote: "In Hiroshima, thirty days after the first atomic bomb destroyed the city and shook the world, people are still dying, mysteriously and horribly—people who were uninjured in the cataclysm from an unknown something which I can only describe as the atomic plague.“

He continued, tapping out the words that still haunt to this day: "Hiroshima does not look like a bombed city. It looks as if a monster steamroller has passed over it and squashed it out of existence.“

Burchett's article, headlined THE ATOMIC PLAGUE, was published on September 5, 1945 in the London Daily Express. The story caused a worldwide sensation, and was a public relations fiasco for the U.S. military. The official U.S. narrative of the atomic bombings downplayed civilian casualties and categorically dismissed as "Japanese propaganda" reports of the deadly lingering effects of radiation.

No way in stopping Hollywood!

Just big conventional weapons

The Commies are coming,the Commies are coming!

The Red Nightmare:Federally funded propaganda film. The tale of an ordinary American town and its life as a Communist satellite, with everyone becoming emotionless automations.

Invasion, USA is the key cold war 'scare' picture. Unlike pacifist weepies such as Arch Oboler's Five, this show depicts a Soviet Union so aggressive, SenatorJoe McCarthy wouldn't recognize it.

The Fear Factor

Comic Book Industry

Presenting violence and horror with “the good guys” beating “the bad guys”

The American Hero at the End of Times

No doubt or criticism was voiced in media, film, and popular literature towards arms race, weapons development and testing!

Duck and Cover

Training to be prepared and to accept the “unavoidable”!

The public warning system

Personal Preparation

Preparation and Shelter

Public shelter and warning system was installedPurchasing private “atomic bunker” system became big business. Business based on fear and false information.

Shelter Guide

By 1960, The Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization, estimated that a million families had constructed their own private bomb shelters. Shelters ranged in price from $1,795-$3,895, and of course many came in kits that make assembly much easier. Advertisements were found in magazines throughout the country. Many companies were capitalizing on Americans fear. Life Magazine in 1955, included a feature ad for a H-Bomb Hideaway, and the sale price was only $3000. Bob Rutske, a Michigan Sheriff at the time, remarked that "To build a home today without a shelter, would be like leaving out a bathroom twenty years ago." The number of shelters that were built in that era, show how well propaganda had penetrated the American mind.

Balance Due 10 days Prior to Shipping Paymentby check or wire transfer

See Conditions Of Sale - Cancellation Fee is 20% of order.

50% Down Payment - check or wire transfer only

Total Order - NH has no sales tax

QuotedProduct On Site Assembly, Installation, Delivery

Included45 AMP Battery ChargerIncludedAir Blower (spare)IncludedManual Septic Pump/25 feet hose

$ 950.00Solar charging optionIncludedCommunications PackageIncludedFood/Fuel Package-------------Hatch Dome Class I

$186,400.00CAT 25 Military Shelter

Back in business?

But there were limits …

To realistic movies and or satire was suppressed or forbiddento avoid the generation of criticism and/or panic reactions.

Nukes as business motivatorMarch 1, 1954Hydrogen Bomb test on Bikini Atoll;Louis Réard, thought his daring new swimsuit would have an impact comparable to the impact of the bomb.

Fall-Out Pattern

Crater

Nukes became normal part of everybody’s life

But accidents occurred and criticism grew slowly but surely!