British Exploitation of German Science and Technology, 1943-1949

Britain prioritized scientific and technological exploitation after the Second World War, examining factories and laboratories, confiscating prototypes, and interrogating German experts to prepare for the next war. This book sheds new light on the legacies of the war and contributes to histories of intelligence, science, warfare, and power.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 276 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2020
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
\n

After the Second World War, Germany found itself at the mercy of its occupiers, who initiated various scientific and technological exploitation programs. Each occupying nation aimed to strengthen its own armed forces and industries by seizing the spoils of war. Britain, too, was not exempt from this pursuit. Despite operating in secrecy, Britain prioritized exploitation as a key objective. It conducted thorough investigations of factories and laboratories, confiscated prototypes and blueprints, and even recruited German experts to harness the innovations of the previous war for future preparedness.

This groundbreaking book presents the complete account of British exploitation for the first time, shedding new light on the enduring legacies of the Second World War. It also makes valuable contributions to the histories of intelligence, science, warfare, and power in the mid-twentieth century.

The British government initiated a systematic effort to exploit Germany's scientific and technological advancements following the Second World War. This involved examining German factories and laboratories, confiscating prototypes and blueprints, and interrogating German experts. The goal was to utilize the knowledge and expertise gained from the war to strengthen Britain's own armouries and industries.

One of the key strategies employed by the British was the establishment of the Combined Services Research and Development Establishment (CSRDE). Established in 1946, CSRDE was a secret organization that brought together scientists and engineers from the British military, civil service, and private sector. The organization's mission was to identify and exploit German technologies that could be used in the development of new weapons and equipment for the British armed forces.

CSRDE's efforts were highly successful. The organization was able to acquire a vast amount of German scientific and technological knowledge, including radar, jet engines, and rocket technology. This knowledge was used to develop new weapons and equipment, such as the V-2 rocket and the jet fighter. CSRDE also played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb, which was used in the devastating attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

In addition to its scientific and technological exploitation efforts, the British also sought to exploit Germany's cultural and intellectual resources. The government established the British Council in 1940 to promote cultural exchange between Britain and Germany. The council also funded cultural programs and exhibitions that aimed to showcase German art and culture to the British public.

However, the British exploitation of Germany was not without its controversies. Some critics argued that the British were exploiting Germany's scientific and technological advancements for their own gain, while others claimed that the British were neglecting the needs of the German people. There were also concerns about the impact of the exploitation on German scientists and engineers, who were often forced to work for the British government against their will.

Despite these criticisms, the British exploitation of Germany was a significant factor in the post-war development of both Britain and Germany. The knowledge and expertise gained from the war were used to strengthen Britain's own armed forces and industries, while also contributing to the development of new technologies and scientific advancements. The British Council's cultural exchange programs also played a role in promoting understanding and cooperation between Britain and Germany.

In conclusion, the British exploitation of Germany after the Second World War was a complex and multifaceted endeavor. While it was driven by a desire to strengthen Britain's own armed forces and industries, it also sought to exploit Germany's cultural and intellectual resources. The British government's efforts were highly successful, and they played a significant role in the post-war development of both Britain and Germany. However, the exploitation was not without its controversies, and it is important to consider the impact of the war on German scientists and engineers who were forced to work for the British government against their will.

\n Weight: 452g\n
Dimension: 156 x 232 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367662196\n \n