About the book
No professional group in the United States benefited more from World War II than the scientific community. After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, scientists enjoyed unprecedented public visibility and political influence as a new elite whose expertise now seemed critical to America’s future. But as the United States grew committed to Cold War conflict with the Soviet Union and the ideology of anticommunism came to dominate American politics, scientists faced an increasingly vigorous regimen of security and loyalty clearances as well as the threat of intrusive investigations by the notorious House Committee on Un-American Activities and other government bodies.
This book is the first major study of American scientists' encounters with Cold War anticommunism in the decade after World War II. By examining cases of individual scientists subjected to loyalty and security investigations, the organizational response of the scientific community to political attacks, and the relationships between Cold War ideology and postwar science policy, Jessica Wang demonstrates the stifling effects of anticommunist ideology on the politics of science. She exposes the deep divisions over the Cold War within the scientific community and provides a complex story of hard choices, a community in crisis, and roads not taken.
Editions of American Science in an Age of Anxiety
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807824474
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807847497
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807867105
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890867698
Read an Excerpt
No professional group in the United States benefited more from World War II than the scientific community. After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, scientists enjoyed unprecedented public visibility and political influence as a new elite whose expertise now seemed critical to America’s future. But as the United States grew committed to Cold War conflict with the Soviet Union and the ideology of anticommunism came to dominate American politics, scientists faced an increasingly vigorous regimen of security and loyalty clearances as well as the threat of intrusive investigations by the notorious House Committee on Un-American Activities and other government bodies.
This book is the first major study of American scientists' encounters with Cold War anticommunism in the decade after World War II. By examining cases of individual scientists subjected to loyalty and security investigations, the organizational response of the scientific community to political attacks, and the relationships between Cold War ideology and postwar science policy, Jessica Wang demonstrates the stifling effects of anticommunist ideology on the politics of science. She exposes the deep divisions over the Cold War within the scientific community and provides a complex story of hard choices, a community in crisis, and roads not taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Science in an Age of Anxiety about?
No professional group in the United States benefited more from World War II than the scientific community. After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, scientists enjoyed unprecedented public visibility and political influence as a new elite whose expertise now seemed critical to America’s future. But as the United States grew committed to Cold War conflict with the Soviet Union and the ideology of anticommunism came to dominate American politics, scientists faced an increasingly vigorous regimen of security and loyalty clearances as well as the threat of intrusive investigations by the notorious House Committee on Un-American Activities and other government bodies.
This book is the first major study of American scientists' encounters with Cold War anticommunism in the decade after World War II. By examining cases of individual scientists subjected to loyalty and security investigations, the organizational response of the scientific community to political attacks, and the relationships between Cold War ideology and postwar science policy, Jessica Wang demonstrates the stifling effects of anticommunist ideology on the politics of science. She exposes the deep divisions over the Cold War within the scientific community and provides a complex story of hard choices, a community in crisis, and roads not taken.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in American Science in an Age of Anxiety?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of American Science in an Age of Anxiety?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807824474
How long is American Science in an Age of Anxiety and how many pages does it have?
American Science in an Age of Anxiety has 392 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book American Science in an Age of Anxiety?
Jessica Wang
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
American Science in an Age of Anxiety is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807824474) and paperback(ISBN 9780807847497) and ebook(ISBN 9780807867105) and pdf(ISBN 9798890867698)
Where can I buy American Science in an Age of Anxiety online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy American Science in an Age of Anxiety from below
Where can I buy American Science in an Age of Anxiety?