NSC 162/2 facts for kids
NSC 162/2 was an important plan for the United States. It was a special document created by the United States National Security Council. President Dwight D. Eisenhower approved this plan on October 30, 1953.
This plan helped guide the United States' security during the Cold War. The Cold War was a long period of tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. NSC 162/2 was part of a bigger strategy called the New Look policy. This plan later got replaced by another document, NSC 5501, on January 7, 1955.
Understanding Massive Retaliation
NSC 162/2 talked about a military idea called "massive retaliation." This meant the United States wanted to have a very strong military. The goal was to be able to cause huge damage if attacked. This would be done using powerful offensive weapons.
Using Nuclear Weapons in Defense
The plan also said that the United States would consider using nuclear weapons. These powerful weapons would be available in a conflict, just like other types of ammunition. This idea was a key part of the U.S. defense strategy during the Cold War. It aimed to stop enemies from attacking by threatening a huge response.
