Cold War Wisconsin

by Christopher Sturdevant

As the Cold War gripped the world with fear of espionage and nuclear winter, everyday Wisconsinites found themselves embroiled in the struggle. For decades, the state's nuclear missiles pointed to the skies, awaiting Soviet bombers. Joseph Stalin's daughter sought refuge in the small town of Richland Center. With violence in Vietnam about to peak, a cargo ship from Kewaunee sparked a new international incident with North Korea. Manitowoc was ground zero for a Sputnik satellite crash, and four ordinary Madison youths landed on the FBI's most wanted list after the Sterling Hall Bombing. Local author and chairman of the Midwest Chapter of the Cold War Museum Chris Sturdevant shares the tales of the Badger State's role in this titanic showdown between East and West.

Genres: History

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2018

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative, if a little dry. I was hoping for some more details in Chris Sturdevant's book about day-to-day life and how it affected the people of Wisconsin, but he chose to focus on the individuals (and military machines) who left the state or traveled to the state or resided within the state to mark the 44 years of geopolitical tension. More of a tour through the highlights of Wisconsin's contributions than an immersion in the world of Cold War America.

[Denise Chojnacki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cold War Wisconsin was a slim read but packed full of interesting stories and facts about Wisconsin's ties to the Cold War. This book was also somewhat of a history lesson for me as I learned much in a short amount of time. Chris Studevant has immersed himself with his passion for Cold War history and it shows through his knowledge and drive to share this passion with others. The photos that were littered throughout the book were equally as interesting. Who knew our fair state held such intricate bonds to the Cold War? Now we do.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting vignettes about a few military connections in the 1950s-80s. Could have been much more interesting had it included a broader representation of social and cultural events.