Case #558.0

Freezing the Arms Race: The Campaign in Washington

Publication Date: January 01, 1983
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Abstract:
This two-part case examines Randall Forsberg's role in the evolution of the grassroots nuclear freeze movement. The first part ("Genesis of a Mass Movement") offers background on post-WWII arms issues and on the growth of the peace movement during and after Vietnam, and then traces the origins of the freeze movement, focusing particularly on how various splinter peace groups were reconciled and molded into a national coalition. The second part of the case (The Campaign in Washington) follows the freeze movement into mainstream Washington politics and chronicles its initial stunning success and eventual slowdown. The case supplement offers statistics on American public opinion on nuclear issues. The addendum to the case is a glossary of organizations active in the freeze campaign and the anti-nuclear movement.

Learning Objective:
This case demonstrates how seemingly powerless citizens can use grassroots organizing to influence the political system. Forsberg's coalition strategy emphasized the importance of presenting a united front and a simple, central theme. The group's foray into Washington politics shows how political "outsiders" can and cannot pressure the Washington political establishment.

Other Details

Case Author:
Robert Leavit
Faculty Lead:
Gary Orren
Pages (incl. exhibits):
6
Setting:
United States
Language:
English