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NATO and the post-war years

Study note

In the years after the Second World War, the world divided into rival camps in what became the Cold War. The UK developed its own atomic bomb and also joined a new military alliance called the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, usually shortened to NATO. NATO was an alliance of nations set up to resist the perceived threat of invasion by the Soviet Union and its allies, so that is the description to remember.

At home, Britain had a Conservative government from 1951 to 1964. During this period, and especially through the 1950s, the country enjoyed economic recovery and growing prosperity after the difficult war years. So remember that the UK both joined NATO and built its own atomic bomb, while the 1950s brought rising living standards.

Memory tip: Post-war: UK joins NATO and develops its own atomic bomb; 1950s bring recovery.

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Question 1 of 2

What is NATO, which the UK joined after the Second World War?

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Show all questions and answers for NATO and the post-war years(2 questions with explanations)

NATO and the post-war years: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What is NATO, which the UK joined after the Second World War?

    • A group of former colonies
    • A trade agreement with France
    • An alliance of nations set up to resist the threat from the Soviet Union
    • A welfare programme

    Correct answer: An alliance of nations set up to resist the threat from the Soviet Union

    NATO was an alliance set up to resist the perceived threat from the Soviet Union and its allies.

  2. 2. After the Second World War, the UK developed its own atomic bomb.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The UK developed its own atomic bomb after the war.

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