Question

question 7 of 10

which government agency controlled the development and production of nuclear weapons in order to calm public fears that atomic energy might fall into communist hands?

a. the united nations
b. the atomic energy commission
c. the central intelligence agency (cia)
d. the house un-american activities committee (huac)

Explanation:

Identify the core historical context

The question asks for the specific government agency established to control the development and production of nuclear weapons during the early Cold War era, partly to address public anxieties regarding nuclear technology and national security.

Analyze the historical options

• A. The United Nations: An international organization founded in 1945 to maintain global peace, not a U.S. government agency controlling domestic nuclear production.
• B. The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC): Established by the Atomic Energy Act of 1946, this federal agency was created to manage and control the peacetime development of atomic science and technology, transferring control of atomic energy from military to civilian hands.
• C. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): Created in 1947 to gather intelligence and conduct covert operations, not to manage nuclear weapon production.
• D. The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC): An investigative committee of the House of Representatives focused on uncovering communist subversion, not an agency for nuclear development.

Connect to the student's profile

Using the Cold War Origins knowledge point, we trace how post-WWII security concerns led to specialized institutions. The U.S. government sought to centralize nuclear oversight under civilian authority to manage both scientific progress and public safety, resulting in the creation of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Answer:

• (A) The United Nations
• (B) The Atomic Energy Commission (Correct answer)
• (C) The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
• (D) The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)