This book is a provocative account of the ties between civil defence, national security, and public support for nuclear deterrence in the early Cold War. Oakes argues that while civil defence films and drills told Americans it was possible to survive a nuclear attack, the primary purpose of civil defence was to provide a moral foundation for nuclear deterrence.

"The author brings to bear on this history the power of an insightful social scientist, and in that respect alone makes a highly original contribution. This is a substantial contribution to the nascent field of the cultural history of the nuclear age."--Lynn Eden, Stanford University "Well written and intelligent....Oakes offers much new material that illuminates the strategic thinking and operational planning underlying this civil-defense propaganda operation."--Paul Boyer, University of Wisconsin, Madison "Oakes has impressively and succinctly analyzed the relationship of national security and civil defense to civic ethics....This study offers further proof that in war, hot or cold, truth is the first casualty. Highly recommended for all levels."--Choice "His book is neither complicated nor lengthy...Nevertheless, Oakes has told his tale well, avoiding the jargon which is common among social scientists, and not promising more than he delivers."--The Historian "...Oakes has written an engaging and original book that makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the cold war. ...[A] concise and well-argued book..."--Peace & Change "The author brings to bear on this history the power of an insightful social scientist, and in that respect alone makes a highly original contribution. This is a substantial contribution to the nascent field of the cultural history of the nuclear age."--Lynn Eden, Stanford University "Well written and intelligent....Oakes offers much new material that illuminates the strategic thinking and operational planning underlying this civil-defense propaganda operation."--Paul Boyer, University of Wisconsin, Madison "Oakes has impressively and succinctly analyzed the relationship of national security and civil defense to civic ethics....This study offers further proof that in war, hot or cold, truth is the first casualty. Highly recommended for all levels."--Choice "His book is neither complicated nor lengthy...Nevertheless, Oakes has told his tale well, avoiding the jargon which is common among social scientists, and not promising more than he delivers."--The Historian "...Oakes has written an engaging and original book that makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the cold war. ...[A] concise and well-argued book..."--Peace & Change