Chapter
The birth of nuclear deterrence
2:06:25 - 2:12:56 (06:30)
In the aftermath of World War II, a group of civilian thinkers discussed the fundamental questions raised by the creation of the atomic bomb, including whether it rendered ground wars and tanks obsolete, and if using it had political implications that could not be delegated to military leaders. This led to the introduction of the idea of nuclear deterrence and the role of the supreme leader in deciding how to use these powerful weapons.
Clips
This episode explores the ideas of nuclear deterrence and how it was developed by groups of civilian intellectuals in the aftermath of the first atomic bomb, discussing Oppenheimer's approach versus those who believed that the system wasn't flexible enough and we needed to learn how to live with these weapons as intelligently as we could.
2:06:25 - 2:10:12 (03:46)
Summary
This episode explores the ideas of nuclear deterrence and how it was developed by groups of civilian intellectuals in the aftermath of the first atomic bomb, discussing Oppenheimer's approach versus those who believed that the system wasn't flexible enough and we needed to learn how to live with these weapons as intelligently as we could.
ChapterThe birth of nuclear deterrence
EpisodeShow 59 - (Blitz) The Destroyer of Worlds
PodcastDan Carlin's Hardcore History
Despite opposition from scientists such as Oppenheimer, President Truman decided to build a super bomb in 1950 due to the belief that America couldn't be outgunned and that the psychological impact of not having the most powerful weapon was unacceptable.
2:10:12 - 2:12:56 (02:44)
Summary
Despite opposition from scientists such as Oppenheimer, President Truman decided to build a super bomb in 1950 due to the belief that America couldn't be outgunned and that the psychological impact of not having the most powerful weapon was unacceptable.