What defense strategy did Eisenhower adopt that involved pledging to use nuclear weapons?

Eisenhower's strategy of Massive Retaliation was characterized by a commitment to respond to any act of aggression, particularly from the Soviet Union, with overwhelming force, including the use of nuclear weapons. This approach was introduced during the Cold War as a means to deter potential Soviet advances, especially in Europe, without relying on conventional military forces. The rationale behind this strategy was to maintain a strong deterrent capability; the United States aimed to discourage enemy aggression by making it clear that any attack would provoke a significant nuclear response.

Massive Retaliation marked a shift from previous strategies that might have advocated for more gradual military responses and emphasized the importance of having a robust nuclear arsenal to validate U.S. power and influence in a bipolar world dominated by superpowers. This defense policy also reflected the economic constraints of the U.S. during the 1950s, as maintaining a large conventional military was less feasible. By threatening a decisive nuclear response, the U.S. aimed to simplify its military strategy and reduce the need for engagement on multiple fronts.

The other strategies mentioned, such as Containment, Flexible Response, and Mutual Assured Destruction, each have distinct features that do not align with the specific pledge of using nuclear weapons as a primary deterrent response