2.12 Wilson and the Special Relationship Flashcards
Was Wilson a supporter of the Special Relationship or not?
Yes
When was the Prague Spring?
1968
Who was the Czech leader during the Prague Spring?
Alexander Dubček
What happened during the Prague Spring?
- Alexander Dubček introduced reforms to increase individual liberty
- He also began to inject elements of capitalism into the communist economy
- Soviet tanks entered Prague
- Alexander Dubček was removed from power
What did the Prague Spring indicate to Wilson?
That the Soviet threat was real - not just to Eastern Europe.
Maintaining the Atlantic Alliance was more important than ever
In return for nuclear secrets, an intimate alliance, and bailing Britain out in financial crises, what did Britain give the USA?
They fought the communists in Malaysia, kept an eye on Africa, and maintained naval presence in the Indian Ocean
What was Wilson’s personal stance on war?
Anti-war
Who did Wilson attempt to bring together to discuss Vietnam?
The leaders of the USA and Russia
Why did Wilson have a dilemma over Vietnam?
He needed to maintain the Atlantic Alliance but the war was hugely unpopular with the British Left
They also could not afford to send troops but relied on US financial support
What did Wilson eventually do in relation to Vietnam?
He offered moral but not military support.
This pleased hardly anyone.
