80s - Thatcher's Foreign Affairs Flashcards
What happened in 1986 that showed the tight relationship between the USA and the UK?
Br gave the USA permission to use Br air bases to bomb Libya.
What did Reagan do in 1983, against THatcher’s advice?
Invade Grenada after a successful communist coup.
What was the misconception the West had about the USSR in the early 1980s?
That their advance into Afghanistan was a sign they were beginning to push into Europe, but it was actually symptomatic of the USSR bleeding away, and hoping to reinforce their dwindling military with Afghan soldiers.
Who were the 3 international figures who all came to power in 1979 determined to stop the USSR?
Thatcher, Reagan and Pope John Paul.
What showed the UK’s willingness to support the US in the Cold War that angered Br public?
Host the US Cruise Missiles.
How can we see the genuine fear of mutually assured destruction in Br at this time?
The Protect and Survive booklets which detailed what to do in case of nuclear attack were widely distributed
What was the 1984 BBC show Threads about?
A post-nuke British city.
What were the 3 factors behind Thatcher’s willingness to end the CW?
Her willingness to negotiate with Gorbachev
Combative style and determination to confront the USSR
Her FP was based on the SR with the USA
What was Gorbachev’s actual stance?
He was fairly moderate, with attempts to reform the USSR and willing to let go of the satellite states.
What did Thatcher set up that gained her international acclaim?
The 1986 Reykjavik Conference - Reagan and Gorbachev both found out that the other was willing to compromise.
What did the 1986 Reykjavik conference lead to?
The 1987 Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty where they agreed to limit short-range weaponry and began the process of mutual disarmament.
What was Thatcher’s main contradiction around Europe?
Her handbag diplomacy irritated some European leaders, but she also worked closely to bring about positive change.
What was Thatcher’s first priority within Europe?
To secure a financial rebate, as Britain was contributing more to the EEC than they were receiving. She succeeded in 1984, which played well at home and helped to dampen Cons divisions over Europe momentarily.
Who was Thatcher particularly close with, and what did they achieve together?
The French President, Mitterrand, and they worked together on the Channel Tunnel project, actualised in 1986. This showed how pro-Europe Thatcher was.
What was the 1986 Single European Act?
Changed the assembly to a European Parliament, and included the possibility of a shared currency further down the line. The European Court also became an important arbiter of disputes.
