America after the nuclear war: The John Glenn administration

[Reaganfan]

On September 1, 1983, The Soviet Union shoots down Korean Airlines 007 over Soviet airspace, killing all 269 on board. President Ronald Reagan and the Reagan/Bush administration strongly condemn the actions of the Soviets. On September 5, 1983, Reagan states that it was "an act of barbarism and inhuman brutality."

The Soviets dismiss claims that the aircraft was shotdown and tensions escalate. Finally on September 6, 1983, the Soviet Union admits that indeed they shot down Flight 007, but that it was not a civilian airliner, but rather a spy plane from the United States violating Soviet airspace.

Feeling growing tension with the Soviets, President Ronald Reagan steps up communications with Margaret Thatcher in Great Britain, as well as putting Military forces in Eastern Europe on heightened states of alert.

The Soviet Union, recently called an "Evil Empire" by Ronald Reagan, begins to fear that the United States will launch a preemptive nuclear attack on Soviet military, industrial and civilian targets. They see Reagan and Bush as "shoot from the hip" cowboys and refer to them as "reckless leaders". Yuri Andropov, ill in the hospital, concurs and sees the massive U.S. tightening of relations with NATO forces in Eastern Europe as a sure sign that something massive is about to occur.

On September 26, 1983, it's shortly after midnight in the Soviet Union. Under the command of Stanislav Petrov, a Soviet Air Defense tracking system indicates that a nuclear tipped Intercontinental Ballistic Missile has been launched by the United States on the Soviet Union. Petrov dismisses it. Suddenly, the computer shows four more ICBMs heading directly for the Soviet Union. Petrov calls his commander, who quickly relays this information throughout the ranks, including to Yuri Andropov. While Petrov and the ranking officials sit and try and come up with a decision of launching on the United States, Andropov decides to go to the highest ranking official in the United States, President Reagan himself.

It's still the afternoon of September 25th in the United States, and President Ronald Reagan is at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City, speaking with reporters regarding the cease-fire in Lebanon. Next to Reagan is Javier Perez de Cuellar de la Guerra, the Secretary General of the United Nations. Word comes in during the session by way of James Baker of a situation that is dire and requires the President's immediate attention. Reagan leaves the meeting, causing the media to frenzy as to where the President has gone to. Reagan is put in direct communications with Yuri Andropov in the Presidential Suite at the Waldorf-Astoria. Andropov, angry and agitated, asks Reagan why the U.S. wants to destroy the Soviet Union. Reagan, confused, asks what has provoked such emotion in him. Andropov responds by saying, "Our computers showed your missiles heading for us!" Reagan responds with "We have NOT, I repeat HAVE NOT, launched any missile anywhere." Andropov, agitated, disconnects the phone call from Reagan. Reagan and Baker immediately leave for Washington, D.C to hold a meeting with the National Security Council.

[Reaganfan]

Reagan meets with his staff at 6:00pm EDT to discuss the Soviet situation. Secretary of State George Shultz as well as Vice President George Bush weigh in on the situation, and begin to assume that the Soviet Union may be trying to provoke the United States to back down their forces in Western Europe. Reagan decides to strengthen them instead, and puts the U.S. Military on DEFCON 2, the highest since October 1962. The Soviets are also in a frenzy regarding the events, and decide to up their forces in Eastern Europe. Andropov speaks to his associates about "spreading the Soviet Union west", implying a push into ally zones in West Germany and perhaps as far west as France.

The following morning in the Soviet Union, the Soviets begin moving closer to the West Berlin checkpoint, and American forces begin a resistance. It's around 8:30pm EDT in Washington, D.C, and the media is in a frenzy regarding the President's quick departure earlier in the afternoon, and begins to suggest perhaps the Soviet actions in East Germany are to blame. Reagan asks for airtime on all networks at 9pm EDT for a quick speech from the Oval Office concerning the Soviet actions throughout the day.

At 9pm EDT, all networks and radio interrupt programming and break to the White House.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States

"My fellow Americans, a series of events have unfolded today that require the attention and concern of every American. This afternoon, a Soviet satellite in space inaccurately suggested that defensive, intercontenintal ballistic missiles were launched in a pre-emptive strike by the United States upon the Soviet Union. After a brief discussion with General Secretary Yuri Andropov, the situation regarding the inaccurate satellite has been clarified and has been resolved. However, recent actions by the Soviet Union in East Germany have been very troubling. The increased buildup of defenses near checkpoints in Berlin and an increased Soviet military presence in much of East Germany implies that the Soviet Union may be on their way to pushing the iron curtan West, into our allied countries. It shall be the policy of this administration, that any further military action by the Soviet Union in Germany or any other allied country, will be met with severe penalties. I ask all Americans tonight, to remain vigilant, and to pray for all those who love Freedom, Liberty and Democracy around the world. God Bless you all."

Following the speech, Americans find themselves deeply concerned with the growing international crisis. President Reagan asks Vice President Bush to travel to an undisclosed location, in the event of a full-scale nuclear attack. The media gets wind of this, and begins 24-7 Special Coverage of what they dub "The Soviet Crisis in Eastern Europe".

The following early morning, Reagan recieves word at the White House of what appears to be advancing Soviet Forces heading for West Germany. Within two hours, news breaks that Soviet forces have been heightened along three strategic points near the Fulda Gap, the North German Plain and the Danube River Valley in Austria. The Reagan administration begins to assume that the Soviets are preparing for a full scale invasion of West Germany.

[Reaganfan]

At 3:30am EDT, while asleep at the White House, President Reagan is awaken with the news that the Soviet Union has begun an invasion of West Germany. The first invasion begins in the least likely area of the Danube River Valley, followed by a simultaneous invasion of the North German Plain and the Fulda Gap. President Reagan opens up direct communications with Prime Minister Thatcher and concurs with Thatcher that retaliation using heavy weapon artillery against advancing Soviet troops should immediately begin. Allied forces begin resistance against Soviet forces in West Germany. The Soviets begin shooting air to ground missiles at U.S. and Allied Military installations in West Germany. The media reports around 4:15am EDT, that the Soviets have invaded West Berlin. Word soon comes in that the town of Fulda has been "obliterated" by Soviet attacks. Reagan assumes that Frankfurt is next, and puts the Military at full alert in preparation for an attack on Allied forces. At 5:00am EDT, Reagan, speaking in the White House briefing room, announces that he has put the United States Military on DEFCON 1 alert.

During an emergency meeting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his Security Council, President Reagan discusses the deteriorating relations with the Soviets and the actions within the last 18 hours and the invasion of West Germany. He is reassured by the council that while surrealistic, the Soviet Union has defied international law and is putting it's communist regime through West Germany. When Reagan asks "It's absurd and a direct violation." Secretary of State George Shultz says "They might head straight to the Atlantic" and Reagan replies, "My fear is that they will head further than that." The issue of using tactical nuclear weapons on Soviet troops is brought up during the discussion, to which Reagan strongly disagrees. Reagan states that if the United States uses nuclear weapons, the Soviets will retaliate with nuclear weapons, possibly escalating into a full-scale nuclear war.

The Soviet forces reach the Rhine in the German cities of Dusseldorf, Wiesbaden, Mannheim, Karlsruhe, and Duisburg. The Soviets begin tank and artillery attacks against NATO forces. The Soviets are also pushing forces through Southern Austria, towards Yugoslavia and Northern Italy. Reagan speaks in front of reporters at the White House at 12:30pm EDT and gives the latest status report.

"In a series of reckless and provocative moves, the Soviet Union has violated international law, and is now in heavy armed battle with our Allied Forces in West Germany. As of our latest reports, our Allied Forces have stopped the Soviet advance at the Rhine, while our forces in Italy as well as our allies in France and Great Britain continue to step up their efforts against the continued reckless behavior of this evil, unjust, despicable regime. I am in direct communications with the Vice President, Secretary of State, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as Prime Minister Thatcher, Prime Minister Craxi of Italy, and President Mitterrand of France, respectively. Let me be clear to all Americans and assure all our allies around the world: We will not allow the Soviet Union to blanket the west under their cloud of communist aggression, and we will stop at no lengths to end the devastating onslaught of this despicable regime."

Just then, Sam Donaldson, a reporter for ABC News, shouts out, "Does that mean nuclear weapons?" Reagan hawkishly looks back, hesitates, and walks off stage.

[hcallega]

Pretty good. The military tactics aren't super accurate, but the action and intensity of the whole story make up for it.

[Reaganfan]

As night begins to fall and midnight, September 27, 1983 approaches, heavy fighting continues in the countries of Germany, Belgium, and Northern Italy. Soviet forces have received heavy causalities fighting with Allied Forces, but have invaded Northern Italy and have been held off at the city of Milan, and have almost entirely invaded the Netherlands. Taking heavy causalities, Yuri Andropov declares that a tactical nuclear weapon be fired upon NATO headquarters in Brussels. Commanders, weary of Andropov in his weakened state, try to ask him to reconsider, for which he madly refuses. At 12:30am Soviet Time, late afternoon in Washington, the Soviet Union fires a tactical nuclear weapon at NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The weapon malfunctions and air bursts six miles southwest of Brussels just outside of the city of Gaasbeek. News of the nuclear explosion is immediately given to President Reagan. Reagan almost simultaneously learns that Soviet troops have advanced through Strasbourg near the Rhine and are progressing towards the Moselle River and the city of Nancy. In direct communications with the French President, and reviewing the consequences of the Soviets pushing deep into the heart of France, Reagan immediately orders a tactical nuclear weapon to be air burst over the advancing Soviet troops in France. Within 10 minutes, a nuclear weapon is air burst over the advancing Soviet forces, obliterating their march into France.

[Reaganfan]

Over the next 12 hours, the battle continues. Fighting in Milan continues undisrupted, with heavy causalities on both sides. President Reagan, exhausted, tries to catch what little sleep he can as night falls. Around 3am EDT, Wednesday September 27th, Reagan is awakened and told that the Soviets have taken Milan. This is a crippling blow to Reagan, who, in a brief phone call to Italian Prime Minister Craxi, offers his support in stopping the Soviet forces before they get to Florence. Reagan also learns that the Soviet Union has invaded Denmark, and that battle forces are heightening alert for what they expect to be the battle of Copenhagen. Reagan meets with his Security Council at 5am EDT, and states that he fears that if Copenhagen is taken, the Soviets might get complete control of Denmark, and aim for Allied Finland and neutral Finland.

At 8:15am EDT, Reagan is giving a speech in the White House briefing room, when James Baker whispers in his ear. The mic picks up what Baker tells Reagan: "Copenhagen is gone." Reagan responds, "They took it?" to which Baker replies, "No...it's gone." The media begins a frenzy of questions such as "Have nuclear weapons been used in Denmark?" and "Has naval warfare begun in the Gulf?" Reagan quiets the reporters and responds with the news:

"I have just learned that the Soviet Union continues to use tactical nuclear weapons, first in Belgium, now in Denmark. I assure all Americans, we will not tolerate the Soviet Union, period. Ladies and Gentlemen, make no mistake about it...this IS World War III."

Reagan, looking angry, walks off stage.

Back with his Security Council, Secretary of Defense Weinberger puts the nuclear option on the table, telling Reagan that a full scale nuclear attack on the Soviet Union would be the quickest way to resolve the conflict. Reagan thinks for a minute and says that "if we launch our weapons, they launch theirs." Reagan calls Thatcher and tells her to prepare for the possibility of a Soviet invasion of Great Britain. Allied naval vessels are set up along the shores of Finland, Sweden, Great Britain, and France. The Soviets continue a slow progression through Eastern France, heavily hurt by the nuclear attack on their troops. The President of France calls President Reagan, and asks him to do "Anything at all" to stop the Soviets from progressing through France.

 

[Cassius Dio]

Amazing story. Please continue!!!!

[Хahar 🤔]

LOL, fun.

[Reaganfan]

That afternoon, President Reagan gets in touch with naval vessels off the coast of Italy, France and Great Britain. He tells them to use "extreme prejudice" to halt any Soviet ships heading for Allied land. Word comes in at 6:00pm EDT that evening to Ronald Reagan that Soviet submarines and Soviet ships have been spotted throughout the English channel, as well as in the Strait of Dover and the North Sea. The President corroborates with Margaret Thatcher that the Soviet invasion of Great Britain seems imminent, and that full scale naval warfare may be the only option in preventing Soviet domination of the United Kingdom. Thatcher agrees. Thatcher worries that now that Belgium is under Soviet control, the Soviets are less than 50 miles away from the coast of England, with Canterbury, Dover and other cities along the immediate coastline most at risk. Just then, a desperate call comes in from President Mitterrand of France. Mitterrand begs Reagan to stop the Soviet assault in France, saying that the Soviet troops have begun an invasion of Dijon and Orleans and that three new Soviet tank division has broke away and headed for Paris. Reagan and Mitterrand both agree that air bursting a nuclear weapon in a rural area outside of Paris over advancing Soviet troops might be the only way to save Paris from Soviet domination. Mitterrand pleads with Reagan that "France needs America's help." Reagan agrees that a low-yield nuclear bomb over the rural river area northwest of Troyes would decimate the Soviet troops heading for Orleans and Paris. Mitterrand agrees and decides to detonate two French nuclear weapon over advancing troops. The first bomb explodes shortly after 2am France time on Thursday September 28th, northwest of the city of Troyes near the town of Nogent-sur-Seine, eliminating three Soviet tank divisions that were headed to Paris. Soon after, France detonates a ground burst low-yield nuclear device over the town of Lorris, 20 miles east of Orleans, eliminating the Soviet advance.

The Soviets counter that by launching a nuclear missile directly at Orleans. Reagan and Mitterrand receive word of this. The missile will arrive in Orleans in two minutes. The Emergency Broadcast System is activated in the United States as well as France and the U.K. At 2:31am France time, a nuclear bomb with low yield detonates over the city of Orleans. Within three hours, air to ground missile strikes occur against civilian targets in Paris. The city is taken at 7:15am France time.

As night falls in Washington, D.C., Reagan looks over the current war situation. Soviet ships have invaded the islands of Corse and Sardegna, and are setting up battle positions. Troops have held off the Soviets in Florence, Italy, but a small division remains headed for Southern Italy and Rome. Reagan, in communication with Prime Minister Craxi, agrees to use everything they have to stop the Soviet moves through Italy. Reagan fears that from Corse, the Soviets could take control of Marseilles, Montpellier, Barcelona, Napoli and Rome. Reagan and Mitterrand order a full-scale invasion of Corse, to take out Soviet divisions and prevent the further push of Soviet domination.



Soviet invasions thus far:

[Cassius Dio]

Good update

[Хahar 🤔]

Corsica isn't Italian.

[Reaganfan]

Corsica isn't Italian.

Sardegna is. Corse is French.

[Reaganfan]

Two days pass with little movement. It's Friday September 29, 1983 in Washington, D.C. American and world news agencies are covering the world war around the clock. Tom Brokaw, the brand new host of NBC Nightly News says, "Ladies and Gentlemen, while it may seem surrealistic to say this, you are watching NBC News Special Coverage of World War III." Reagan speaks to the nation at 9:00pm EDT that Friday night.

Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan:

"Good evening my fellow Americans. Much like the brave men who fought against German aggression in World War I, and the allied forces who fought heroically against the Nazis and Japanese empire during World War II, we again find ourselves today in yet another World War, encompassing at least six countries throughout the World, causing heartache and pain for many, and testing the will of others. At this time, our NATO allies in Europe are in a fierce battle with the brutal communist Soviet regime. The Soviet Union, defying all international law, has completed a massive takeover of our friends in Germany, Denmark, and has continued to precede through regions of France and Italy. At this time, NATO forces have ended the Soviet progression through Italy at Milan, however the Italian island of Sardegna has been taken. Soviet nuclear weapons have been used on the city of Orleans in France, Copenhagen in Denmark, and a nuclear bomb of low yield strength exploded near the city of Gaasbeek, outside of Brussels as a direct attempt at destroying regional NATO headquarters. I have been in direct communications with Prime Minister Thatcher, Prime Minister Craxi, President Mitterrand, General Secretary Andropov, as well as Prime Minister Schlüter of Denmark. I want to make clear to the American people and our allies around the world, we will stop at no lengths to end the Soviet expansion towards the west, and in the end, defeat this barbaric communist regime once and for all. I ask that Americans remain vigilant and go on with life as usual, but continue to closely monitor radio and television for news, listen for the Emergency Broadcast System and follow instructions. Make no mistake about it, as we have seen with the last two world wars, America and our allies will be victorious. Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless America."

[Hash]

rofl

[Person Man]

I have always wanted to see what would happen to the United States' history in the event of a nuclear war. I wonder if the constitution would even survive.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Wow... apocalyptic sceanrio.

I have always wanted to see what would happen to the United States' history in the event of a nuclear war. I wonder if the constitution would even survive.

Yeah, very good question. We recently could see how our Civil Liberties are weak when a dumb reactionnary decides to "fight against terrorism".
If two towers cause this effect, a nuclear explosion would be fatal for democracy.

[Person Man]

Well, yeah. Not just to our constitution, but our territorial integrity.

[Reaganfan]

On Saturday, October 1, 1983, President Reagan wakes up and has breakfast with the National Security Council. Not wanting to waste a minute in developments in the war. Reagan learns that Andropov has been in direct communications for hours with a leader of a Western country. Reagan quickly calls Thatcher, to find out if Andropov has been communicating with her. He has not, and Reagan begins to assume that perhaps Andropov has been communicating directly with Soviet ships, preparing for an invasion of Britain. Reagan informs NATO allies that the Soviets prepare to be heading for a full scale invasion of Great Britain.

Indeed, that afternoon, Reagan receives a desperate call from Thatcher, saying that Soviet submarines and ships are closing in throughout the English Channel, and are positioning themselves for a three-pronged attack at Britain. The first Soviet advance occurs in Dover, met with heavy allied resistance. The second set of attack comes near the city of Southampton. The third invasion begins in Liverpool, with Soviet ships coming in from a 16 hour journey up St. George's Channel into the Irish sea. Increasing tensions build fear that NATO forces in Northern Ireland as well as the neutral Ireland may be at risk of attack or invasion. Soviet troops, having taken control of three areas of coastline, begin resisting NATO forces near Manchester, Southampton, and Canterbury. Thatcher fears London may not be far from the Soviet grasp.

Reagan receives word that Soviet submarines off the United States coasts are making tactical maneuvers which are likely designed to intimidate the United States. The Emergency Broadcast System is activated in the United States at 3:30pm EDT.

...EBS TONE...THIS IS THE EMERGENCY BROADCAST SYSTEM...THIS IS NOT A TEST...THIS IS A NATIONAL EMERGENCY...THIS NOTIFICATION HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES...

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES...

"My fellow citizens, just within the last few hours, Soviet forces have begun a three-pronged invasion of our NATO ally Great Britain. Attack and invasion points included the cities of Southampton, Dover and Liverpool. Early reports indicate heavy NATO losses in the nearby cities of Manchester, Canterbury, and Portsmouth. I have been in direct communication with Prime Minister Thatcher, as well as with President Hillery of Ireland. With the current Soviet situation, all NATO forces remain on DEFCON 1 alert, and heavy fighting continued unabated in the countries of France, Italy, Germany and Denmark. Make no mistake, our NATO allies will defeat the Soviets, and will regain the land which the brutal Soviet regime continues to conquer. I continue to ask that Americans remain vigilant, and keep our friends and allies abroad in your prayers. Thank you all."

At home, Reagan's approval rating has soared to near 90%, with nearly all Americans supporting NATO troop efforts. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans feel that full-scale nuclear war is imminent. Churches and Synagogues begin holding 24 hour confessions. While most Americans are praying for peace, most also prepare for war. That night, Reagan calls Vice President George Bush at the undisclosed location. Reagan tells Bush that he fears one of three outcomes may come out of the world war. One, that Soviet forces are overtaken by NATO troops and Great Britain, France, Italy and Germany are reclaimed. Two, Soviets try provocative moves near the United States mainland, perhaps even an invasion. Or three, a full-scale nuclear war takes place. President Reagan tells Bush that at least 180 million Americans will be killed within a few hours should that occur. Bush tells Reagan, "You will have the proper evacuations in the event of a launch." Reagan tells Bush, "With those submarines...we'd have less than five minutes. I won't make it to the bunker if that occurs, George." Reagan and Bush get off the phone, and Reagan tells the Joint Chiefs of Staff, "I fear if worst comes to worst, George Bush won't have much left to work with", implying that a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union would decimate the infrastructure of the country.

[Lief 🗽]

I'm pretty sure that the NATO fleet would be able to, if not outright defeat the Soviet fleet, at least prevent them from landing in Britain. Plus, by this time, American soldiers would have started landing by the boatfull in England at least, and probably France as well.

Also I'm pretty sure that, by now, the entire world be a smoldering pile of ash, but that's okay.

[Reaganfan]

On Sunday, October 2, 1983, Ronald Reagan awakens to receive word that Yuri Andropov still has been communicating with a Western country. With the invasion and battle in Britain continuing, Reagan and his advisers seem at a loss as to who that may be. The Government continues monitoring and intercepting Soviet radio messages, when word comes in involving the country of Cuba. Reagan immediately assumes the worst...that the Soviets are strengthening their military might in Cuba, perhaps even reinstating offensive weapons on the communist island for the first time since 1962, 21 years earlier. The Navy immediately informs the White House that Soviet ships have increased in the last 48 hours and are speeding towards the island nation of Cuba.  President Reagan carefully weighs his options, much like President John F. Kennedy did during the Cuba Missile Crisis in 1962. Either he can blockade the island and keep oncoming ships from entering, he can invade Cuba and try and overthrow the Communist Castro regime, or he can wait and see. With the ongoing war against NATO allies, Reagan decides the best course of action is to immediately begin a blockade of Cuba, and prepare for a full scale invasion of the island within 48 hours. The President also orders new aircraft surveillance of Cuba, to check for any weapon or missile sites that may have been set up under the nose of the United States and NATO allies.

In the meantime, fighting in France begins to lessen as NATO troops decimate large numbers of Soviet forces. In Italy, Soviet tank divisions have all but been decimated, and the fighting appears to be lessening. For the first time since the war began, some slight glimmers of hope begin to show. Reagan decides to address the nation that night from the Oval Office.

At 9pm EDT, President Reagan addresses the country, but does not disclose the Cuban situation as to not tip off the Soviets.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN:

"Good evening my fellow Americans. Tonight, as I speak to you, our NATO allies in France and Italy have proceeded to halt the Soviet advance in those countries. The Italian island of Sardegna has been retaken by NATO alliances, and the French island of Corse will likely be rightfully reclaimed within several hours. At this time, the Soviet line has been cut off in Italy between Ancona and Orbetello. The cities of Rome and Napoli are not under the Iron Curtain, and those cities in the Northern part of the country who have been taken by the Soviets will soon find Freedom once again in the hands of our NATO allies. In the country of France, the Soviet line has ended just outside of Paris, where nuclear weapons were used between France and the Soviet Union several days ago, resulting in the reported destruction of the cities of Orleans and Lorris, resulting in complete destruction of those cities, and the loss of thousands of innocent lives. Paris is no longer under Soviet rule, and the NATO advance will remove the country from Communist aggression in due time. NATO forces have also halted Soviet troops in Great Britain, with fighting currently occurring in Manchester, Liverpool, and various other cities in that country. Our allies in Northern Ireland, Norway and Turkey are on the fullest state of alert for possible Soviet attack or invasion. Nuclear weapons were used by the barbaric Soviets outside of Brussels in Belgium as a direct attempt at attacking regional NATO headquarters. Despite the Soviet takeover of that country, NATO headquarters, under heavy security, remains fully operational. Elsewhere, we must not forget about our friends in Denmark, where the Soviet invasion and nuclear attack on the city of Copenhagen has resulted in a massive loss of life, as well as the complete destruction of that city. I pledge to you, my fellow Americans, as well as our allies, that Freedom, Liberty and Democracy will prevail. Our NATO allies and those brave soldiers fighting for our freedom will halt and remove this Communist aggression, wherever in the World it may move. I have been in continual contact with Vice President Bush, members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, our armed forces, leaders of our allied countries, as well as my national security council. Tonight I pledge this administrations full support to our friends and allies in Europe, to help halt this dominating and evil empire called the Soviet Union. Thank you, and God Bless America."

[Person Man]

So, if we were to lose 180 million people, we would still have about 50 million left. I would think if it did come to it, we would ultimately bottom out around 25 million. Great Britian would probably bottom out around 5 million, Continental NATO would bottom out around 30 million and th Warsaw Pact would bottom out around 60 million. The Planet's population would probably go to about 400 million as the world is plunged into an atomic ice age the especially devestates Third-World countries that though do not recieve any blasts, are unable to deal with the fall out that spreads across the planet and the famines that poverty brings.

My verdict of a nuclear war- it would probably have a definite conclusion and some sort of civilization would survive. However, that's probably the only things that could be guaranteed. I can see civilization taking anywhere from 10 years to 500 years to fully rebound....and gross population levels will probably not be reattained for about 5 or 6 generations, provided that the Industrial Revolution is not reversed. Hell, we could go Canticle for Liebowitz where much of the world is destroyed and the surviving nations renounce their civilization and live like native peoples until the course of human events catches back up on a natural timeframe- in this book in particular, its about 1200-1500 years, only for them to repeat the nuclear war a few hundred years after that.

[TeePee4Prez]

For some reason I could see the Soviets trying to take Turkey first.

[Person Man]

I would have Joseph B. Leibowitz (D-NM) and Lenina A. Huxley (R-NY) win against Bush/Danforth in 1984 in this scenario.

[Psychic Octopus]

How's Japan holding out, have the Soviets launched any attacks against them?

[Serenity Now]

I hope this is a joke.. This story is exciting but I hope nobody here actually believes the scenario of limited nuclear war is in any war plausible. Even Thatcher didn't..

If either side reach a point where they see it neccessary to deliberately use nuclear weapons they wouldn't just drop a handful at first and then see what happens next.. They'd go all-out in their first strike to avoid the risk of their weapons being destroyed by the other sides all-out counter-strike in response to their own limited attack.

It's amusing how people underestimate the role of nuclear weapons in hypothetical wars between the US and the USSR to make things more 'fun' than the the actual, 'boring' scenario of half the northern hemisphere being turned into dust..