The Big Bang and the Steady State
Artifact ID1973.1.1885
Object Type
Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Kevin McVey
Gifter
Kevin McVey
Medium
Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 20 3/4 in x W 16 5/8 in (52.7 cm x 42.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ ("US") and a man (identifiable as Alexei Kosygin "USSR") use large scissors ("Cooperation") to cut the fuse on a large firecracker ("Nuclear Spread"). Across the globe another man ("Red China") explodes a large firecracker. Caption: “The Big Bang and the Steady State”. Artist signature lower left: "McKevin McVey Record Call (N.J.-N.Y.)”.
Inscriptions and Markings"
Historical NoteDuring the Johnson administration and general postwar era, much foreign policy was dictated by the Cold War, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union for political influence amidst decolonization, associated with proxy wars, ideological struggles, the nuclear arms race, and the space race. In 1964, China detonated its first atomic bomb, leading to a third power to rival the other two. The Sino-Soviet split were the tensions between China and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Although both nations were Communist, they competed with each other over the same spheres of influence. As a result, the United States had to practice triangular diplomacy to maintain relations with both Communist powers. With nuclear disarmament treaties, the United States, the Soviet Union, and China agreed to limit production of or reduce the number of nuclear weapons.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced
Lyndon Baines Johnson
(American, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced
Aleksey N. Kosygin
(Russian, 1904 - 1980)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication