Britain and the atomic bomb

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Nuclear strategy before 1956

Nuclear strategy after 1956

1948, Berlin crisis, American bombers in Britain, some with nuclear capacity.

Increasing attention to nuclear deterrent.

First successful atomic bomb tested in 1952.

Defence strategy places greater stress on nuclear weapons.

1955, announced intention to build a H-bomb.

Pooling resources to create a united European force.

Churchill and Eden thought the moment for practical schemes for disarmament had been reached.

Strengthened Atlantic alliance.

Public opinion increasingly concerned about the possibility of nuclear accident.

Need for Britain to maintain an independent nuclear deterrent which would enable Britain to influence American defence and foreign policy

Strains placed on the budget (1954-5, costs approaching levels of WW2)

60 American Thor intermediate-range ballistic missiles based in Britain (1957).

Churchill believed in decline in tensions between the USA and Soviet Union possible.

Couldn't finance the production of nuclear warhead delivery systems.

1954- disarmament conferences.

White paper- nuclear over conventional forces, nation service phased out.

US refuse to help.

Arms race bankrupts economy.

1960- buy Skybolt from US.