What influenced Britain's nuclear policy 1945-1990

What influenced Britain's nuclear policy 1945-1990?

World power status:

• Britain develops H bomb to keep up with superpowers USA and USSR.
• Britain had lost her empire but felt it could be substituted for nuclear weapons as a display of strength.
• Britain reduced spending on conventional weapons and increased spending on nuclear weapons as they created an image of power.

Public opinion:

• Emergence of CND and Aldermaston in 1950's - some argue that this encouraged the government to persue a policy of détente.
• Women's peace camp (Greenham Common) raised awareness and pressured government.
• Early 1980's Labour change policy to anti-nuclear weapons but proved unpopular and Thatcher…