If, for whatever reason, we avoided WWII and any other large scale wars in the mid-20th century, how long would it take for major powers to develop nuclear weapons? As technology advances it would presumably become relatively easier and not need a gigantic Manhattan Project for a great power to produce one, but how long would it take for some country to make the effort?
Additionally, how would nuclear weapons be revealed if they were not developed in the middle of the war. Presumably in most potential timelines (if not most timelines written on this board) they would not be developed in the middle of a global conflict and revealed through use. Would the country developing them try to keep them secret for a longer period, or just have a press conference and announce what they had?
Additionally, how would nuclear weapons be revealed if they were not developed in the middle of the war. Presumably in most potential timelines (if not most timelines written on this board) they would not be developed in the middle of a global conflict and revealed through use. Would the country developing them try to keep them secret for a longer period, or just have a press conference and announce what they had?