In the early 1950s, the Prime Minister of Australia, Robert Menzies, received a request from the Prime Minister of England, Clement Attlee, requesting if Britain could conduct their nuclear weapons testing in Australia. Without so much as talking to the politicians in his cabinet or requesting any information or reports on the possible health or environmental risks, Menzies said yes, and even committed Australian servicemen to help the British carry out their tests. Thus, began the testing in Monte Bello Islands off the coast of Western Australia, and the 2 sites in South Australia, Emu Field and Maralinga.

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Accompanying teaching resources for this podcast can be found on my Amped Up Learning Store

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Reflection Questions

1. Although newspapers of the time are not particularly reliable, could they be considered as useful. Explain why or why not.
2. Hypothesise why do you think the newspaper coverage was so superficial.
3. Research the Royal Commission into British Nuclear Testing in Australia and summarise the findings.
4. The Doomsday clock moved away from midnight after the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty. Explain what events have occurred since then to make the hands move closer to midnight, to the point that it is closer than ever now.
5. What do you think was the motive of the Prime Minister in agreeing to nuclear testing in Australia without consultation with his cabinet?
6. Research methods of nuclear debris disposal.
7. In reference to Stalin and Truman’s conversation at the Potsdam conference. Explain the two perspectives of this same conversation.

Contact: Twitter @HistoryDetect, Instagram @HistoryDetective9, email  [email protected]

All original music written and performed by Kelly Chase.

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The History Detective Season 1 & 2 Album is  now available on Spotify and all of your music streaming services.

Contact: Twitter @HistoryDetect, Instagram @HistoryDetective9, email  [email protected]

History Detective Website

All  music written and performed by Kelly Chase.