Forum:If nuclear energy was being harnessed so effectively, why was there a war over oil?

Despite the Cold War paranoia, it seems that nuclear engery became so acceptable and efficient that it was being used to provide power to cars and other electronic devices in the Fallout universe.

In fact I've often thought that even in the real world, if we (Americans) didn't still have prejudices surrounding the word "nuclear" because of it's immediate association with the nuclear bomb, nuclear energy would be looked at much more seriously as an energy alternative to oil. It's seems like the most logical choice: It isn't dangerous if the facilities and byproduct of the reactors are monitored closely, it's sustainable and is more cost efficient than depending on other countries for oil-especially if we were able to produce the size:energy ratio of the Fallout universe. Why, then, was the resources war focused mainly on oil (unless I've misread)? Was there also a struggle over food/water that increased tensions?

I'd like to think whatever admisistration was in office at the time would want to avoid a war or having bad relations with other world superpowers, if for no other reason than to demonstrate comptence and be re-elected, seeing as Presidents that choose to go to war aren't often thought highly of.

While nuclear energy was quite common, oil was probably still needed for other things, such as making plastic, fuel for aircraft and probably cars and other transport that might still use oil for fuel. 79.66.105.3 15:57, March 7, 2011 (UTC)

Petroleum is used for more than just oil, and they were also explicitly fighting over uranium.--OvaltinePatrol 11:45, March 10, 2011 (UTC)

Well nuclear powered cars were still uncommon in the rest of the wolrd so they were still dependent on petroleum for fuel, and it isn't like we know who started the bombing and the precise reason why.

Herax 15:29, March 10, 2011 (UTC)