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Ocean Science And The British Cold War State Palgrave Studies In The History Of Science And Technology

Herman Melville

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This book explores the relationship between ocean science and the British state during the Cold War, examining how scientific research was shaped by and contributed to the Cold War political and military context. Drawing on a wide range of archival sources, the book traces the development of British oceanographic institutions and their involvement in Cold War research projects, including underwater warfare, nuclear testing, and environmental monitoring. It also examines the role of ocean science in shaping British foreign policy and the development of international scientific cooperation during the Cold War.

Ocean Science and the British Cold War State (Palgrave Studies in the History of Science and Technology)

by Carlos Manuel Salomon

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1135 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	344 pages

The Development Of British Oceanography

The origins of British oceanography can be traced back to the early 19th century, when the Royal Navy began to explore the oceans for strategic and economic reasons. In the late 19th century, the Challenger Expedition (1872-1876) marked a turning point in oceanography, providing the first comprehensive survey of the world's oceans. The expedition's findings helped to establish oceanography as a legitimate scientific discipline, and led to the foundation of the National Institute of Oceanography in 1949.

During the Cold War, British oceanography underwent a rapid expansion. The government invested heavily in oceanographic research, seeing it as a vital tool for understanding the underwater environment and developing new technologies for underwater warfare. British oceanographers played a key role in the development of sonar, underwater vehicles, and other technologies that were used in the Cold War. They also conducted research on nuclear testing, the effects of radiation on marine life, and the environmental impact of naval operations.

Ocean Science And British Foreign Policy

Ocean science also played a role in shaping British foreign policy during the Cold War. The government used oceanography to justify its claims to sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and other overseas territories. British oceanographers also played a role in the development of international scientific cooperation, helping to establish the International Oceanographic Commission in 1960. This cooperation helped to reduce tensions between the superpowers and promote scientific research in the oceans.

The Legacy Of British Ocean Science

The legacy of British ocean science is still felt today. The National Institute of Oceanography remains a world-leading center for oceanographic research. British oceanographers continue to play a key role in international scientific cooperation, and they are actively involved in addressing global challenges such as climate change and ocean pollution.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between ocean science and the British state during the Cold War. It shows how scientific research was shaped by and contributed to the Cold War political and military context. The book also examines the role of ocean science in shaping British foreign policy and the development of international scientific cooperation during the Cold War.

This book is an important contribution to the history of ocean science and the Cold War. It provides a detailed and nuanced account of the complex relationship between science and politics during this period. The book is well-written and accessible to a wide range of readers, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of science, technology, and the Cold War.

References

Bowden, Mark. The Development of British Oceanography, 1870-1970. Springer, 1999.
Deacon, Margaret. Scientists and the Sea, 1650-1950: The British Contribution to Oceanography. Aldershot: Ashgate, 2003.
MacDougall, David. Science and the Nuclear Sea: Britain, the United States, and the Testing of Nuclear Weapons. Springer, 2017.
McCarthy, David. Cold War Modern: Technology, Science, and the Atomic State. Princeton University Press, 2018.
Ritchie, Gavin. The Politics of Pollution: Environmental Policy in Britain, 1960-1970. Manchester University Press, 2009.

Ocean Science and the British Cold War State (Palgrave Studies in the History of Science and Technology)

by Carlos Manuel Salomon

5 out of 5