American Nuclear History, 1940s-1960s

This course looks at the role nuclear issues played in American history, politics and society from the instigation of the Manhattan project to the beginnings of arms control negotiations in the 1960s.  As well as looking at the political, diplomatic and moral issues raised by the development and possible use of nuclear weapons, the course will also cover the influence of nuclear fears on US culture, and the domestic political controversies and grass roots activism triggered by US nuclear policies, including in such areas as nuclear testing.  Classes will also feature discussion of contemporary documents from the period, as well as film clips.