Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra Episode 2: The Mole
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Jun 17, 2024 Discover the intense manhunt for an American ultra-right fascist sympathizer linked to dangerous weapons. Learn about Francis Yockey's journey and the lasting impact on American politics. Explore the intriguing tale of Nazi saboteurs, government searches, and the controversial involvement of Francis Yaki in the Nuremberg trials.
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The Cobalt Bomb Panic
- In 1950, a radio show discussed the hydrogen bomb's destructive potential, causing widespread panic.
- One scientist, Leo Szilard, suggested a modification, the "cobalt bomb," could wipe out all life on Earth.
Cobalt Bomb in Popular Culture
- The idea of the cobalt bomb quickly spread, appearing in books, movies, and TV shows.
- It became a symbol of Cold War fear and the potential for global annihilation.
Yockey and the Cobalt Bomb
- The US government believed an American fugitive, Francis Parker Yockey, was selling cobalt bomb plans on the black market.
- This heightened Cold War tensions and sparked a global manhunt.