Nuclear Danger in the Desert
In Nuclear Danger in the Desert, historian Lucy Worsley learns about the testing of nuclear bombs in Nevada in the 1950s. People visited Las Vegas to watch the nuclear testing. Residents became known as “downwinders” because the fallout often blew their way. Their livestock began dying, and cancer and leukemia rates soared, but it was denied that these events were linked to nuclear testing. 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: Why do you think the government felt it was more important to continue nuclear testing than to protect its citizens in the 1960s?
A: In the 1960s, the U.S. government thought that developing and testing nuclear weapons was essential to maintaining national security and global power which could potentially deter future threats to the country. There were many consequences to this testing, such as long-term health impacts.
Q. Do you think there are current issues where human health is at risk due to factors like food, air, or other environmental factors?
A: There are a few current issues where humans are at risk due to environmental factors, such as air pollution, climate change, food safety, and water contamination. These issues, like nuclear testing in the past, often involve trade-offs between economic development or political decisions and the protection of public health.
Q: What do you think are the long-term effects of unregulated activities, like nuclear testing on citizens and the environment?
A: Some long-term effects include health problems, environmental damage, and psychological damage. [This can lead to a discussion of specific examples of health, environmental, and psychological damage.]