The neutron bomb, officially known as the Enhanced Radiation Weapon (ERW), was developed during the Cold War as a tactical nuclear weapon that would release a large amount of radiation while producing minimal blast effect. This made it particularly controversial, as it was designed to kill enemy troops while leaving infrastructure intact. The development of the weapon sparked intense debate within both the U.S. government and among the public, with advocacy from military leaders concerned about its strategic value and strong opposition from peace advocates who viewed it as a callous means of warfare. In April 1978, President Jimmy Carter made the significant decision to cancel the neutron bomb program amid increasing pressures for arms control and ethical concerns of nuclear warfare. The decision was part of a broader policy shift during Carter's presidency, promoting negotiations for nuclear disarmament and highlighting a moral stance against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Carter’s administration aimed to project a vision of humane warfare during a time when the potential for nuclear confrontation loomed large. His administration's priorities emphasized diplomacy over military solutions, which contrasted sharply with prevailing attitudes in many government sectors at the time.