Why did Britain get involved in the early Cold War?

To maintain world power status:

• Joined the UN and NATO.
• Paritcipation in Korea - wanted to show that Britain could still 'pack a punch'.
• Commitment to her empire.
• Development of own atomic bomb - detonated 1952.

To get closer with the US:

• Wanted to show that Britain was reliable - supported US in Korea for this…