Cold War Science

Even during some of history’s darkest eras, there were still flickering lights that let people know they would make it through and reach better days. That is one of the most under-appreciated roles that science plays in social cohesion. Back in the day, many looked to scientists as heroes whose bold ideas would someday lead to a golden age of progress that all mankind could enjoy together. Something changed along the way. When the nuclear bomb dropped, people realized that they would live to see science-wrought horrors beyond their understanding.

That is the central conflict present in the Cold War Era’s scientific history. On one hand, researchers were creating solutions to some of the most harrowing problems man had ever faced. On the other, some scientists were creating, at the behest of their governments, the kind of weapons that would fill people’s nightmares for decades to come.

Both sides of the coin will appear on this quiz since it’s nearly impossible to appreciate each one’s magnitude without also considering the inverse. Our current lives are so much easier thanks to the works of those brave souls who made unique and bold discoveries at this time. It just goes to show that every tool, even science, can be used for good or evil depending on the hand that wields it.

As much as to test, this quiz is meant to inform, so we hope you come out of it knowing something new. How much do you know about this iconic period of scientific history? Take our quiz on Cold War Science to find out.

Good luck. See how well you know cold war science.