Codename NSC 68
In Codename NSC 68, historian Lucy Worsley discovers that the purpose of this top-secret report was to set America's new defense strategy during the Cold War. It justified the spending of $47 billion to defend America and the rest of the world from Russian dominance. The reality was that the Soviet economy had been destroyed in World War II, and it did not have the capability to fight against America. This video is excerpted from BBC's American History's Biggest Fibs with Lucy Worsley, in which Worsley reveals the myths and manipulations behind American history.
Lesson Express
Q: Do you think that the threat of the Soviet Union was as extreme as predicted during the 1950s?
A: The perceived threat from the Soviet Union in the 1950s was seen as very extreme by many U.S. leaders, especially during the Cold War. The Soviet Union was expanding its influence in Eastern Europe and developing nuclear weapons, which raised fears of a potential conflict. However, over time, it became clear that while the Soviet Union was a significant global power, the immediate risk of nuclear war or Soviet domination wasn't as high as some of the predictions made at the time.
Q: Do you think NSC-68 was necessary at the time to spend money on defense mechanisms?
A: Student responses will vary. Some may argue that NSC-68 (National Security Council Report 68) was considered necessary by many U.S. officials at the time. The document called for a massive increase in military spending to counter the perceived Soviet threat. Some may argue that the spending was excessive.
Q: Do you think the decision to react to NSC-68 was immediate, or were they also considering protective action for the future?
A: The U.S. reaction to NSC-68 was both immediate and forward-looking. The decision to increase defense spending and prepare for potential conflict was urgent in the context of the Cold War. The recommendations in NSC-68 were also about setting up policies for future security and influence in the global order.
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