Atom Bombs without WWII

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?
 
Assuming that fission is developed about the same time as OTL, it is extremely probable that at least one atomic bomb will have been detonated (not necessarily in anger) by 1960. I would put good odds on someone building one by 1950, actually, probably the Soviets (huge incentive, no war to screw up their project) or Americans (massive resources, good scientific resources even without Nazi-exiles), although any of the Great Powers is possible.
 
No, I think most probably the Soviets or the US, IMO Britain will be too concerned with its colonies to put the required finances in. Of course it will slow the project down, but it war is averted some time between '36 and '38 then I fully expect nukes by the '60s, along with nuclear power.
 
No, I think most probably the Soviets or the US, IMO Britain will be too concerned with its colonies to put the required finances in. Of course it will slow the project down, but it war is averted some time between '36 and '38 then I fully expect nukes by the '60s, along with nuclear power.

Well, OTL the British did start the first serious A-Bomb effort in Tube Alloys, even with the war, so I wouldn't count them out. France also has significant incentive, although her pre-war perceived advantage over Germany probably negates that for a time.

I do agree that the Soviets and Americans are the most likely to go for it, though (which is why I said that before…)
 

Genghis Kawaii

Gone Fishin'
I don't know whether the inventing nation is more likely to keep it secret or reveal it immediately, but for story purposes I like the idea of it being secret. Imagine America gets into an arguement with some third world country in South America over their American appointed dictator not doing what we say, and all of a sudden "BOOM, MOTHERFUCKER!", a whole bunch of jungle gets levelled, and Senior Dickhead bends over backwards to do what he was told.
 
I don't know whether the inventing nation is more likely to keep it secret or reveal it immediately, but for story purposes I like the idea of it being secret. Imagine America gets into an arguement with some third world country in South America over their American appointed dictator not doing what we say, and all of a sudden "BOOM, MOTHERFUCKER!", a whole bunch of jungle gets levelled, and Senior Dickhead bends over backwards to do what he was told.

I have to wonder what the international reaction to the US pulling something like this would be. Especially since with no World War II the US likely isn't quite as much of a superpower as OTL midcentury.
 

Genghis Kawaii

Gone Fishin'
I have to wonder what the international reaction to the US pulling something like this would be. Especially since with no World War II the US likely isn't quite as much of a superpower as OTL midcentury.
I'm not sure of the reaction. I'd hope aiming for an empty stretch of jungle instead of a city would mollify things a bit, but somebody would probably still get mad.
 
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