Abstract

On July 16, 1945, just outside the small town of Carrizozo on the high desert of New Mexico the United States entered the atomic age with a single flash of light. With this era came the promise that nuclear energy would revolutionize the future through inexpensive and inexhaustible electricity. This atomic future seemed bright by the end of the 1950s as the US government began building mighty nuclear ships, operating civilian nuclear power stations, and forging international contracts to develop further infrastructure for the miraculous power source. However, through the 1960s a palpable sense of danger surrounded nuclear power. By the 1970s the failure of the nuclear age was clear to Americans as the nation faced an energy crisis that nuclear power could not overcome. Popular media and especially films from each of these eras reflected the hopes and anxieties of the American public. This I.S. tells that story.

Advisor

Roche, Jeff

Department

History

Disciplines

Cultural History | United States History

Keywords

History, Cultural History, Nuclear, Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Power, Film, Cinema

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2023 Samuel William Powers