Looking Back At History

 Edward Henry Stantley by Maull and Polybank August 1858 NPG Ax7308 © National Portrait Gallery, London Today we're going to have a look at an individual that you have most likely never heard of. When looking at 19th Century British politics and foreign policy, he certainly isn't the first person that you springs to mind but I personally find him to be an interesting figure. Today we are going to have a look at Edward Henry Stanley (1826 - 1893), the Fifteenth Earl of Derby. When researching Derby, you get the feeling that those around him thought that he was a bit of an odd character. Upon further inspection it appears that Derby acted in his own unique way during his decision, emphasising pragmatism over the prestige of the British Empire. So who is Derby? He was born to Edward Smith Stanley 14th Earl of Derby (of course), who served as a Conservative Prime Minister between 1866-1868 so it's safe to say that Derby was born into politics and foreign affairs. He

British Nuclear Tests in 1950s © IWM (TR 65682B) When we think about nuclear weapons we tend to think immediately of the USA and Russia, the two major players during the Cold War. As a result, Britain's own nuclear programme is often overlooked. In this three part series, we are going to take a look at the development of British nuclear weapons from the creation of British nuclear bombs and the V-Bomber Force to Polaris and Chevaline and lastly to the current Trident system. The Early Days  Britain was one of the first countries to look into the developments of atomic energy. In 1917, British physicist, Ernest Rutherford was the first person to split the atom which ignited curiosity of what this could lead to.  By 1939, the discovery of nuclear fission introduced the concept of nuclear energy and also nuclear weapons.  Photograph of Churchill, Truman and Stalin at the Yalta Conference, 1945. (The National Archives Catalogue ref: CO 1069/892) Second World War

We all know that Bristol has got a lot of history. From Brunel's bridges and ships to Concorde and the aerospace industry, we all know that the city is jam packed with historical significance. But there are a few things you probably don't know about the city. Here are 4 new interesting facts that you didn't know about Bristol's history. © Bristol Culture 1. First Ever Chocolate Bar. Did you know chocolate was originally consumed as a drink? This was until 1847 when Joseph Fry & Sons started to use excess cocoa butter to produce a paste that could be moulded into something you can eat and bam you've got your first chocolate bar. Fry's Cream stick was the first industrialised and mass produced chocolate bar that was actually affordable in 1853. In 1873, they went on to create the UK's first chocolate Easter Egg. 2. Stalin's Daughter Lived There. Svetlana Alliluyeva the daughter of Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin, left the Soviet Union in

Winston Churchill © IWM (Q 34664) In 1917, the Tsar of Russia and his family were murdered and overthrown by the Bolsheviks. What followed was the Russian Civil War where various factions including the Bolsheviks (Reds) and anti-Bolsheviks (Whites) fought for power over their country. Fearful of the relatively new idea of Communism, the Allies (Britain, France and USA) generally supported a White victory. Winston Churchill, Secretary of State for War, also followed this view favouring extensive intervention against the Bolsheviks. But where Churchill's views regarding the Civil War correct and the most beneficial for Britain? Key Terms : Bolsheviks (Red): Started the Revolution in 1917 and overthrew the Tsar, withdrew Russia from WW1. Anti-Bolsheviks (Whites): Largely ex-military and supporters of the Tsar who wanted to keep Russia in WW1.  What Were the British Aims During The Russian Civil War? Following the collapse of Tsarist Russia and consequential withdrawal from