Britain and Nuclear Weapons Flashcards
When did Britain start to experiment with nuclear properties?
1930s
What secret project did Britain get involved in to make the first Atomic Bomb?
Manhattan Project
What was agreed in September 1944?
Churchill and Roosevelt would continue nuclear collaboration after WWII
What happened to this agreement after Roosevelt’s death?
Truman, the new President, went back on it
What was nuclear capacity seen as by Britain?
A key to staying on the ‘top table’
When did Britain do their first atomic bomb test?
October 1952
What was a limitation of the time Britain tested their first atomic bomb?
In November 1952, America tested the more powerful hydrogen bomb
When did Britain test their first megaton bomb? Who helped?
America helped Britain test their first megaton bomb in 1957
What was apparent about British nuclear development in the future?
America would have to help the UK out heavily
Why were nuclear weapons saving money in some way? Who showed this?
Duncan Sandy’s 1957 White Paper said nuclear weapons saved money on conventional forces
What did Macmillan agree with American missiles in 1957?
Allowed stationing of 60 American Nuclear Missiles in Britain
What could be the long term significance of what Macmillan allowed?
Although UK and US would need to consent to launch, if America needed to quick, Britain could do it for the USA
What happened to Britain’s personal nuclear programme? When? Why?
Blue Streak Missile Programme was cancelled in 1960 due to the cost
What was Macmillans alternative to Blue Streak? When?
Secured Polaris missiles from America in December 1962
What was significant about Macmillan getting Polaris missiles from America?
It showed the special relationship was in a good place
