Survive the Bomb

An examination of the American government’s Cold War national defense measures and public communications regarding protection from nuclear disaster. The launch of Russia’s Sputnik satellite in 1957 began an era where American citizens were haunted by fears of annihilation. Baby Boomers will remember Bert the Turtle, who instructed them how to “duck and cover.” Survive the Bomb documents other U.S. government efforts to calm the collective psyche with nuclear survival handouts. These cheerful and