How Did Britain React To The Government Developing A Nuclear Programme?

Question 1

What role did Britain have in the development of the atomic bomb?

Answer 1

British scientists worked on the manhattan project with other scientists to help develop the nuclear bomb which the USA used against japan during WW2

Question 2

How did atomic relations between the USA and Britain alter after WW2?

Answer 2

1946 atomic energy act - passed by congress, blocked US and British collaboration. Led to a feeling that Britain should develop its own nuclear force despite its poor financial position.

Question 3

How did Attlee government develop the nuclear weapons programme after WW2?

Answer 3

Attlee and Bevin (foreign secretary) and the military chiefs of staff felt that Britain needed this weaponry to remain a ‘great power’
1947 - plans for nuclear development started

Question 4

How did the conservatives develop the nuclear weapons programme in the 1950’’s

Answer 4

• Churchill continued the nuclear programme and began nuclear testing in 1952

Question 5

How did the public react to the nuclear weapons programme?

Answer 5

• in favour
• 60% approved the atomic bomb in 1952
• but later in the 50’s when stories of nuclear fallout in the pacific became known = opposition

Question 6

What impact did the nuclear issue have on the Labour Party?

Answer 6

• split the party
• Bevan (labour left wing rebel) previously supported unilateral nuclear disarmament but in 1957, changed his view
• left wing labour felt betrayed by Bevan

Question 7

How did the transport and general workers union feel about the nuclear weapons programme

Answer 7

• unions had been happy with full employment and had moderate leadership
• 1956 - cousins became the leader of the union.
• cousins led fierce union opposition to Britain having nuclear weapons, went against Bevans view