Report by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission on "Facts and Figures: The Savannah River Plant" (includes map), 1952
Document Description:
The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the Du Pont Company chose the Savannah River Site in November 1950 as a site to produce the materials used to create nuclear weapons for the federal government’s defense programs. The site, located 20 miles southeast of Augusta on the Savannah River, represents Cold War measures to increase nuclear armament. The Savannah River Site combined government and private contracts to bring jobs and economic growth to the area, although the communities of Ellenton and Dunbarton were dissolved and approximately 4500 graves were moved to new cemeteries. The Atomic Energy Commission published Facts and Figures early in 1952 to inform the public about the plant and the construction process. The pages shown here explain the selection process and location, the size of construction efforts, and a map of the site.
Citation:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. Facts and Figures. The Savannah River Plant of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission. 1952. Published Materials Division, South Caroliniana Library, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.
Correlating SC Social Studies Academic Standards:
Standard 5-5: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the social, economic, and political events that influenced the United States during the Cold War era.
Indicator 5-5.2 Summarize changes in the United States economy following World War II, including the expanding job market and service industry, consumerism, and new technology.
Standard 8-7: The student will demonstrate an understanding of South Carolina’s economic revitalization during World War II and the latter twentieth century.
Indicator 8-7.1 Summarize the significant aspects of the economic growth experienced by South Carolina during and following World War II, including the contributions of Governor Strom Thurmond in promoting economic growth; the creation of the State Development Board and the technical education system; the benefits of good road systems, a sea port, and the Savannah River site; and the scarcity of labor unions.
Standard USHC-8: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the impact of World War II on United States’ foreign and domestic policies.
Indicator USHC-8.5 Explain the lasting impact of the scientific and technological developments in America after World War II, including new systems for scientific research, medical advances, improvements in agricultural technology, and resultant changes in the standard of living and demographic patterns.
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