The CND peace symbol is displayed in public for the first time in London.

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) stands as a prominent organization steadfastly advocating for a world free from nuclear weapons. Its core mission encompasses not only the unilateral nuclear disarmament of the United Kingdom but also the broader goal of international nuclear disarmament. CND champions tighter global arms regulation, pushing for the reinforcement of crucial agreements like the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Beyond disarmament, the organization vigorously opposes any military action that might escalate to the use of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons, and it also campaigns against the construction of nuclear power stations within the UK.

The Birth and Evolution of a Movement

CND's origins trace back to a pivotal moment in November 1957, when a dedicated committee first convened. This foundational group included influential figures such as Canon John Collins, who served as its chairman, the renowned philosopher Bertrand Russell, taking on the role of president, and Peggy Duff, who skillfully organized the nascent movement as its secretary. Their efforts culminated in CND's inaugural public meeting, held at the historic Methodist Central Hall in Westminster on February 17, 1958. From that significant day forward, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has consistently been at the vanguard of the peace movement in the UK. It proudly asserts its position as Europe's largest single-issue peace campaign, a testament to its enduring influence and widespread support.

A defining activity in CND’s early years was the iconic Aldermaston March. This powerful demonstration, held annually over the Easter weekend between 1958 and 1965, saw thousands march from the Atomic Weapons Establishment near Aldermaston all the way to London’s Trafalgar Square, bringing the call for nuclear disarmament directly to the public consciousness and the seat of power.

Symbols of Peace: A Universal Language

Throughout history, various cultures and contexts have adopted numerous symbols to represent peace. One of the oldest and most enduring is the dove and olive branch, a potent image first used symbolically by early Christians, which later evolved into a universally recognized secular peace emblem. Its modern popularity was significantly boosted by Pablo Picasso’s famous "Dove" lithograph, created in the aftermath of World War II, which resonated deeply with a world yearning for tranquility.

However, the "peace sign" as we know it today – often associated with "peace and love" – emerged specifically in the 1950s, designed by Gerald Holtom as the distinctive logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). This potent symbol quickly transcended its origins, being enthusiastically adopted by anti-war and counterculture activists across the United States and globally. Holtom's design is ingeniously simple, a superimposition of the semaphore signals for the letters "N" and "D," cleverly representing "nuclear disarmament." Simultaneously, the symbol carries a powerful, albeit subtle, artistic reference to Francisco Goya's poignant 1814 masterpiece, "The Third of May 1808" (also known as "Peasant Before the Firing Squad"), evoking the suffering and resistance against conflict. Other widely recognized international peace symbols that emerged include the V hand signal and the vibrant peace flag, each contributing to a universal visual vocabulary for harmony and non-violence.

FAQs about the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

What is the CND?
The CND, or Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, is an organization that advocates for unilateral nuclear disarmament by the UK, international nuclear disarmament, and stricter international arms regulations.
When was CND founded?
CND began in November 1957, with its first public meeting held on February 17, 1958.
Who were the key founders of CND?
Key figures in CND's formation included Canon John Collins (chairman), Bertrand Russell (president), and Peggy Duff (organizing secretary).
What are CND's main objectives?
CND's objectives include UK and international nuclear disarmament, stronger international arms regulation (e.g., Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty), opposition to military action involving WMDs, and resistance to new nuclear power stations in the UK.
What is the Aldermaston March?
The Aldermaston March was a significant CND-organized protest held annually over Easter weekend from 1958 to 1965, marching from Aldermaston to Trafalgar Square, London, to advocate for nuclear disarmament.
What is the origin of the modern peace sign?
The "peace sign" was designed by Gerald Holtom in the 1950s as the logo for the British Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND). It combines semaphore signals for "N" and "D" for "nuclear disarmament" and subtly references Goya's "The Third of May 1808."