POLITICAL & SOCIAL SCIENCE

Political & Social Science

PO3488 Worksheet: Anti-war/Peace Movements

The success of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament in Great Britain in 1958

One of the most important features of social development of the West of recent decades is the activation of the various social movements. This process is primarily to make a personal impact on the decision of the political elite. The rise of the anti-war, environmental, human rights, women's and other forms of movement in the UK was determined by the growth of some crisis in politics, ideology, and spiritual life of the country. It is important to note that members of the movement were not only critical of the government, but also to offer alternative ways of solving problems. Among the conditions which led to the rise of social movements, they had greatly influenced the social structural changes that occurred under the influence of scientific and technological revolution, the growth of the cultural and intellectual level of the population (Pickerill &Webster, 2006, pp. 407-423).

Over time, a large part of the population of Western Europe have increased the capability of independent, more free from the influence of ideological stereotypes understanding of world problems. The democratic traditions, certain social achievements, became the factor of mass consciousness. Moreover, they also contributed to the development of social activity and a willingness to seek satisfaction of their claims (Pickerill &Webster, 2006, pp. 407-423).

The campaign for Nuclear Disarmament was an organization that was formed in England. This organization was aimed to influence the governmental bodies for renouncing without any condition the production of use of nuclear weapon and to restrict their use by other countries for the purpose of defense. This campaign was the fearing treatment by United States into isolation after the WWII. British Government was forced for self defense (Pickerill &Webster, 2006, pp. 407-423).

In 1955, the president Russell together with Einstein and eight other world-renowned scientists published a manifesto in which he called for a new political thinking in order to prevent a nuclear catastrophe. Since April, NRC, and other anti-war organizations hold thousands of Easter peace marches. Demonstrators were sent to a place Aldermaston, where British atomic bomb was created. The aim of these campaigns was to express demand for the complete prohibition of nuclear weapons in the world and the renunciation of Great Britain. In 1963 in Moscow Treaty was signed between the Soviet Union, the United States and Britain banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water. It should be noted that the NRC has helped mobilize public opinion to encourage the British government to participate in this agreement. The signing of this document has caused many of the participants a sense of complacency that has led to a decline in the activity of movement. In the first years of its existence, the movement did not have much more experience of the organization's different spontaneity of action. Among the leaders of the movement there were many conflicts. However, in the late 1950's - early 1960's, ...