Affluent Society - Forgeign Relations Flashcards
Why did Britain want to join the EEC?
Losing influence after beginning of the retreat from Empire + withdrawal from committments in Greece, Turkey, and Palestine
USA keen for Britain to join as vital connection between Euope + USA
Why has Britain not initially joined the EEC?
Assumption that Britain still a great world power
The right regarded preservation of trade links w Australia, Canada + NZ than those w Europe
Balance involvement in Europe + special relationship w USA
What did Britain form to match the EEC?
The EFTA
Only moderately successful + unable to match growth rate of EEC
What did Macmillan hope to achieve by joining the EEC?
Increase industrial effienciency and production + stimulate economic growth
Why did British attitudes to the EEC change?
Belief in imperial power shaken by Suez + decolonisation in Africa
Why were negotiations difficult?
Britain wanted to keep position in Commomwealth and w USA
EEC policies already in place that UK found difficult to conform to (made special exemptions for Britain’s Commonwealth trade partners e.g. lamb exports from NZ) –> negotiated by Heath
Why was the EEC application rejected?
de Gaulle (President of France) vetoed at the last minute since he was keen to protect the partnership from Britain + American influences
Relationship w USA (positives and negatives)
Allies during WW2
Allies in preventing the spread of Communism (e.g. aided USA in Korean War) (British NATO troops stationed in West Germany)
JFK good relationship + kept Macmillan informed of events in Cuban Missile Crisis
Under strain due to:
- UK relationship w EEC
- Suez Crisis
- Burges and Maclean Affair –> defected to SU
Relationship w USSR
Allies during WW2
