This was the US government's plan to nuke Alaska in 1958

[basquebromance]

worth a look!

Actual 1950s Proposal: Nuke Alaska

 

[whitehall]

The plan to use nuclear devices to instantly (and cheaply) alter the terrain for the benefit of citizens was a legitimate consideration in the 50's. The problem was residual radiation and negative feedback from citizens. It should be noted that ongoing nuclear tests in Nevada were such a tourist attraction that the scheduled events drew tourists from around the world back in the 50's and 60's.

 

[Mushroom]

worth a look!

Actual 1950s Proposal: Nuke Alaska

It was called "Operation Plowshare". And it was research all atomic nations were making at the time.

The idea to use nukes for "peaceful purposes". Building dams, making tunnels and passes through mountains, dig canals, even to create new harbors. After the Alaska project, they were planning on using 22 nuclear explosions to dig a new rail line between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The Soviets had "Nuclear Explosions for the National Economy", intended to do the exact same thing. And France was considering using the process to dig a second Suez Canal.

But I do not even need to see the video, the plan in Alaska was to build a new harbor at Cape Thompson. And the long-range goal was to dig a sea level canal through Nicaragua.

Almost the entire world was "Atom Bomb Crazy" back then, trying to find ways to use these for peaceful purposes. Even tests were done to try and improve oil and gas drilling.