Document Bank of Virginia
Search using this query type:

Search only these record types:


Advanced Search (Items only)

Civil Defense Technical Bulletin, 1958

CONTENT WARNING

Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation. 

Context

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a major event of the Cold War that took place during John F. Kennedy’s presidency. In October 1962, a United States spy plane captured evidence of the Soviet Union (present day Russia) moving nuclear weapons into Cuba which lies 90 miles away from the coast of Florida. Upon hearing this news President Kennedy had to made plans within seven days, in secret, before word of this potential international issue was released to the public. President Kennedy met with his most trusted advisors, including his brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy, to create a plan of action.

President Kennedy announced to the world that they had discovered nuclear missiles were being transported to Cuba. The U.S plan of action was to impose a naval blockade to prevent further shipments to Cuba. While the blockade was successful in stopping additional nuclear weapons from entering Cuba, the missiles already in Cuba were in the beginning stages of becoming operational. President Kennedy seemed to be facing two options: attack or accept the presence of Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba.  Kennedy, however, choose to reject both options and proposed a policy that the U.S would not invade Cuba if the Soviet Union removed all nuclear weapons from Cuba. Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev agreed to this deal, partly due to a secret clause that the United States would also remove U.S missiles from Turkey within six months of the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba.

Many people feared the world was on the brink of nuclear war, and the now famous "duck and cover" drills became a reality for many Americans during this time period. There was also a booming market for bomb shelters that average citizens could install on their own property. Various government agencies put out reports on how to differentiate between chemical and nuclear attacks. Pamphlets, bulletins, and brochures were also developed about the standards of bomb shelters which would often show schematics and provide information of what nuclear fallout would mean for those who might be impacted by such an event.

Citation: Federal Civil Defense Administration. Civil Defense Technical Bulletin, May 1958, Prints and Photographs, Special Collections, Library of Virginia.

Standards

Social Studies: VUS.13, USII.8
Art: 4.1, 5.1

Suggested Questions

Preview Activity
Scan It: Scan the document and list words or phrases which indicate why it was written and what information it would provide.

Post Activities

Artistic Exploration: Design posters that may have hung in schools and workplaces addressing the issues in this bulletin.

Up for Debate: Do you think this format was the best way to get the message to citizens? How might you have done things differently?