Nuclear Illusion Nuclear Reality Britain The United States And Nuclear Weapons 195864 Richard Moore by Richard Moore 9780230217751, 0230217753 instant download after payment.

This new history, based on extensive archive research, weaves together the political, military and technical histories of Britain's nuclear weapons programme under the Conservative governments of Harold Macmillan and Alex Douglas-Home. It contrasts Britain's perceived political decline and reliance on the United States with growth in available military nuclear capability. In summer 1958, around 50 hand-built atomic bombs were available in the UK, and just one fully successful British two-stage megaton thermonuclear device had been tested; by 1964, despite setbacks, Britain had hundreds of well-engineered nuclear weapons, a well-exercised low-level bomber force, and advanced new warhead and weapons programmes underway. The book also presents new evidence and analysis on key political events of the period, including the Blue Streak cancellation and the Skybolt crisis. It should be read by anyone interested in the history and military technology of the cold war.