Description
Book SynopsisCapitalizing on fear of nuclear war, months after Kennedy's inauguration he won Congressional authorization for two supplemental appropriations that increased the defense budget by more than 15 percent. This study of the political uses of an alleged threat to national security, argues that the missile gap was a myth.
Trade ReviewPreble's contribution is significant. [He] substantiates his thesis in great detail and draws upon excellent research.
* The Journal of American History *
A path-breaking study... raises key issues with respect to both cold war historiography and present-day international politics.
* The International History Review *
An extremely thorough, well-documented effort.
* American Historical Review *
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. Eisenhower, the New Look, and Their Critics
2. A Senator Finds His Voice
3. The Presidential Election of 1960 and the Politics of National Security
4. The New Frontier and the Closing of the Missile Gap
Epilogue—The Legacy of Cold War Military Spending
Notes
Works Cited
Index
