The US had a policy of first use of nuclear weapons from "summary" of The Doomsday Machine by Daniel Ellsberg
The U. S. government had a clear and explicit policy when it came to nuclear weapons: they were always to be the first to use them. This policy was not a secret, but it was not widely known either. It was understood by those in the highest levels of government and military, but it was not something that was openly discussed or debated in public. The idea behind this policy was simple: the United States would always be prepared to use nuclear weapons to achieve its objectives, whether in a conventional war or in a conflict with another nuclear-armed state. The logic was that by demonstrating a willingness to use nuclear weapons, the U. S. could deter potential adversaries from taking actions that would be against its interests. This policy of first use of nuclear weapons was not without its critics, both inside and outside the government. Some argued that it was immoral and inhumane to use such destructive weapons as a first resort. Others questioned whether the policy was actually effective in deterring adversaries, or whether it might actually increase the risk of nuclear war by escalating conflicts unnecessarily. Despite these criticisms, the policy of first use of nuclear weapons remained in place for decades. It was a central part of the U. S. government's strategy for dealing with the threat of nuclear war, and it was something that was taken very seriously by those in positions of power. The idea of using nuclear weapons in a first strike was not something that was taken lightly, but it was seen as a necessary tool for protecting the country and its interests.- The policy of first use of nuclear weapons was a reflection of the broader mindset that existed during the Cold War. It was a time when the threat of nuclear war loomed large, and when the U. S. government felt that it needed to do whatever was necessary to protect itself and its allies. Whether this policy was ultimately effective or not is a matter of debate, but it was a central part of the U. S. government's approach to nuclear weapons for many years.
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