According to Source 7, the Soviet nuclear threat was serious, however, the report focused on the future of the Soviet nuclear threat more than the present threat. Source 7 states that the atomic capability of the Soviets is increasing and that a Soviet attack could be in the near future. The American National Security Council questions whether Britain with its present air defense, could be relied upon as a base for which the US could launch an attack. The Soviet nuclear threat was becoming very prominent and the U.S were beginning to worry about a possible Soviet attack.
2. What measures is Source 7 calling for?
Source 7 was calling for an increased air warning systems, air defenses, and vigorous development of a civilian defense program which would be integrated with the military defense systems. Source 7 was calling for these measures as an effective opposition plan against the Soviet threat.
3. How would you describe the tone of Source 7? Use examples of words and phrases in the text to support your answer.
The tone of Source 7 is very careful and fearful. The author of the Source is very aware of the present Soviet threat but it more worried about the future and what could happen between the US and the Soviets. Saying, " It is estimated that, within the next four years, the USSR will attain the capability of seriously damaging vital centres of the United States," shows that the author is certainly concerned about what the future holds and wants to be prepared for a Soviet attack.
4. Study Source 8. What criticisms are made of Source 7?
Source 8 criticizes Source 7 by saying that the source intentionally exaggerated Soviet nuclear power. Source 8 states that Source 7 was exaggerated "bludgeon the mass mind of
“government”. Source 8 also states that the American stockpile of weapons would be an insufficient amount to counter a Soviet threat.
5. Do you think the author of Source 7 wanted to increase tension and the risk of war? If not, what were his motives?
No, I do not believe the author of Source 7 was trying to increase tension and the risk of war. There was already a lot of tension between the U.S and the Soviets and after the end of World War 2, no one really wanted to get into another war. I think the author was afraid that the Soviet's nuclear power was increasing and wanted the U.S to be more aware and start taking the initiative step to prevent a Soviet attack. The author obviously thought a Soviet attack would happen in the near future so he exaggerated the Soviet power hoping the U.S would take action.
6. Do the criticisms in Source 8 mean that Source 7 is not a useful historical source? Explain your answer.
The criticisms in Source 8 do not mean that Source 7 is not a useful historical source. Source 7 is a report from the American National Security Council, so you know that it is reliable because it was written by a government run council. Although some of the information might be exaggerated, it is still useful because it was written near the time that the Soviets had their own atomic bomb and started increasing their nuclear power.
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