Introduction: American History's Biggest Fibs: Supremacy (02:05)

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History is presented as a set of facts, but in reality, it is deliberately manipulated to establish a truth. This episode will examine the American Dream and the Cold War. (Credits)

World War II Ends (05:10)

The United States grew wealthy after the war and the Great Depression. Harry S. Truman came to power after Franklin Delano Roosevelt died in office. Japan's leaders were discussing surrender before atomic bombs destroyed Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

Post-War America (07:05)

Norman Rockwell captured the values behind the American Dream. Americans shifted their ideas of prosperity. William Levitt designed Levittown and refused to allow African Americans into the settlements. Racial clauses were not outlawed until 1968.

NSC-68 (03:37)

A National Security Report warned the Soviet Union wanted world domination and that the U.S. president needed to isolate America, order a preemptive strike, or stockpile weapons. The Soviets lost 27 million people during World War II.

Nevada Test Site (02:07)

Atomic tourism began in Las Vegas. People traveled into the desert to witness the testing while drinking cocktails.

Atomic Bomb Drills (02:33)

U.S. residents lived in fear of Soviet atomic bombs. Residents of St. George became known as downwinders; cancer and leukemia rates soared. The government knew the nuclear fallout was dangerous but felt that staying ahead in the arms race was more important than American lives.

McCarthy Hearings (04:37)

Joseph McCarthy provided a list of Communist Party members; government workers lived in fear of accusation. Transcripts were altered after hearings. Senator Lester Hunt committed suicide after members of the panel tried to bribe him to resign.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower (03:12)

Eisenhower wanted to save taxpayer money; he cut army spending but increased the nuclear budget. The military-industrial complex was comprised of generals and arms companies.

Titan II (05:37)

The long-range weapon system was the height of a skyscraper. The nine megaton warhead could decimate a 900 square mile area. Deterrence was based on perception. Russian documents revealed the country had four nuclear weapons.

President John F. Kennedy (05:44)

Despite appearances, the new president suffered from chronic illness. A spy plane captured images of missiles in Cuba. During the Missile Crisis, the Soviet Union turned ships around at the president's urging.

Civil Rights Movement (04:40)

African Americans demanded change; Dr. Martin Luther King organized the March on Washington. The "I have a dream" speech tapped into the best ideals of the country. No women were allowed to speak.

Post-Civil Rights Era (04:43)

The Vietnam War erupted; Soviets were determined to win the arms race. Am and FM radio stations were banned from delivering similar content. Ronald Reagan wanted to recreate the 1950s version of the American Dream.

Credits: American History's Biggest Fibs: Supremacy (00:33)

Credits: American History's Biggest Fibs: Supremacy