Cold War Era

Jean-Pierre Folligah

SS310 Exploring the 1960s

Unit 2 Project

January 20, 2011

The Cold War represented a serious threat for the country and its inhabitants. This fearful atmosphere pushed authorities and people to prepare for the worse in case of bomb fallout. Thus, families took some precautions to protect themselves.

During the Cold War era, lives were seriously threatened. Men and women viewed themselves as potential targets although they are not part of the war. The Cold War struck fear in the hearts of Americans, but rather that cowering as vulnerable targets, citizens acted to protect themselves from the impending threat (Ads promoting civil defense during the Cold War, 2009). Clearly, this war created a certain panic among Americans, but never weakened families aspiration to stay united.

When people are faced with frightening situations, they will take amazing precautions, even if the perceived threat never happens. People in coastal cities facing a possible hurricane will stock up on food, store water in their bathtubs and board up their windows (The Family Fallout, 1950-1974). In this perspective and as a responsible head of household who cares for his family, I would build a shelter right in my basement on under my backyard to protect my family against nuclear fallout. In this shelter, I would stockpile food to avoid the food supply contamination and to feed my family properly. I would also bring in sufficient water. Most importantly, I would have a discussion with my family about the nuclear fallout and its poisoning radiation to make them aware of the importance of being protected. It is also essential to teach children to behave properly in this period and to follow the instructions to be safe.

Psychologically, a moral support is needed too. In my role of head of household, I would be there to support my family. Without moral support, members of the family could be demoralized or depressed with the idea to be wiped out by a nuclear bomb...