Introduction

Political Events

Scientific-Technical Developments

Military Developments

Economic Changes and Conditions

Social Conditions and Developments

Books, Movies, Art and the Media

Contact Information

jbenavidez@scu.edu

The Cold War's period of 1953 through 1954 began with two significant events: a)Soviet Leader Joseph Stalin passed away, and b) Dwight Eisenhower was sworn in as President of the United States. Under the leadership of both individuals (and Stalin's successor, Nikita Kruschev), the ongoing Cold War between Democracy and Communism had reached a pivotal point of competition. Both polars had began to involve themselves in an arms race to develop a Hyrdrogen Bomb, the status of Korea was in peril, and the inward-stability within both the United States and Russia was being severely questioned. Although patriotism and deeply-rooted values loomed over the political action of both factions, a new culture of alienation and fear was slowly brewing amongst each population.

Hydrogen Bomb test (Romeo), March 26, 1954. Los Alamos National Labratory