Civil Defense and Cold War Culture

The video explores the rapid rise of television in the 1950s, its impact on American culture, and its role in politics, particularly during the Army-McCarthy hearings. It also discusses the societal fears during the Cold War, the surge in religious participation as a response to communism, and the civil defense measures taken by citizens, such as building bomb shelters and practicing 'Duck and Cover' drills.

What was the primary medium of entertainment before television became popular in the 1950s?

• Newspapers

• Books

• Theater

• Radio

By 1959, how many televisions had been sold in the United States?

• 100 million

• 65 million

• 1 million

• 10,000

Who referred to television as a 'vast wasteland' in 1961?

• John F. Kennedy

• Newton Minow

• Joseph McCarthy

• Dwight D. Eisenhower

What was the focus of the first televised Congressional hearing?

• Vietnam War

• Watergate Scandal

• Army-McCarthy Hearings

• Civil Rights Movement

What was a common belief about religion during the Cold War?

• It could protect against communism.

• It was declining in importance.

• It was irrelevant to politics.

• It was a private matter.

What phrase was added to U.S. paper currency in 1957?

• E Pluribus Unum

• In God We Trust

• United We Stand

• Liberty and Justice for All

What was a common feature of homes built during the Cold War?

• Solar panels

• Bomb shelters

• Smart home technology

• Swimming pools

What government advice was given to citizens in case of a nuclear attack?

• Pray for safety

• Evacuate the city

• Duck and Cover

• Run to the nearest shelter

Why did civil defense programs decline over time?

• Nuclear threats were eliminated.

• They were too expensive.

• The effects of radiation were unavoidable.

• Public interest waned.

What realization led to the fading of civil defense programs?

• Nuclear war was unlikely.

• Nuclear weapons were banned.

• Radiation effects were inescapable.

• Peace treaties were signed.