This crude broadside attacking the hazards of atomic radiation across the United States was produced by the activist group "Women Strike for Peace." The map is dense with text describing radiation dangers and symbols pinpointing hazardous sites. Among the symbols identified in the legends are those showing the location of "Atomic Facilities," "Industries," "Radioactive Waste Burial," "Underground Activities," "Death Effects," "Medical Experiments," "Research Reactors," and "Nuclear Power Reactors."
Women Strike for Peace was formed in 1961 in opposition to the testing of nuclear weapons. It expanded over the years into a broader anti-nuclear and anti-war movement, and remained active until at least the late 1990s. The broadside is undated, but the latest source cited in the text is dated December 31, 1975, suggesting that it was produced c. 1976. Cornell University Library is pleased to present this digital collection of Persuasive Maps, the originals of which have been collected and described by the private collector PJ Mode. The descriptive information in the “Collector’s Notes” has been supplied by Mr. Mode and does not necessarily reflect the views of Cornell University.
