This timely title discusses the creation of the atom bomb and the post-World War II nuclear arms race that shaped the consciousness of generations. Primary and secondary source materials such as contemporary photos, speeches, letters, and newspaper accounts are examined, offering readers insight into a world reeling from years of conflict, and the competing political and social ideologies of the former Soviet Union and the United States and its allies. Topics covered include the Manhattan Project, the dropping of the first atomic bombs, and the escalation of the arms race, as well as nuclear treaties and the relevance to today's nuclear threats.

Analyzing evidence: interpretations -- Analyzing evidence to determine if a source is credible; the importance of analyzing bias -- The story uncovered: the nuclear arms race -- The discovery of nuclear fission in 1938 and the subsequent nuclear arms race; -- The first three bombs in 1945; nuclear testing in the 1950s -- Different views: ending the race -- The steps taken by the United States, the Soviet Union, and other nations since -- To limit the spread of nuclear weapons and their testing -- Modern examples: history repeated -- The current nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan, and the recent development of nuclear weapons by North Korea.