Britain in the World 1951-97

Question 1

Britain’s relationship with the US during the 50s

Answer 1

Britain supported the USA in the Korean War (1950-53), contributing 100,000 troops

Suez Crisis 1956 caused tension, as the USA forced Britain to withdraw- Britain’s reliance on US economic and political support

Question 2

Britain’s relationship with the US during the 80s

Answer 2

Thatcher-Reagan special relationship marked high point in Anglo-American relations

Thatcher supported US invasion of Grenada 1983

Aligned on anti-Soviet policies during Cold War

Question 3

Britain’s relationship with the US during the 90s

Answer 3

John Major supported US-led coalition in the First Gulf War 1990-91, contributing 53000 troops

Question 4

How did Britain’s nuclear policy reflect its relationship with the USA?

Answer 4

50s- Britain developed its first atomic bomb in 52 and hydrogen bomb in 57

60s- Britain bought Polaris missiles from the USA in 62, dependent on US technology

80s- 1980 Trident programme improved Britain’s nuclear deterrent but cost £12 billion which was partly funded by US supply chains

Question 5

What was Britain’s role in Europe in the 50s-60s?

Answer 5

Britain initially excluded itself from the EEC, prioritising the Commonwealth

Rejected twice when tried to join the EEC (1961 and 67) due to French vetoes under De Gaulle

Question 6

What was Britain’s role in Europe in the 70s?

Answer 6

Joined the EEC in 1973 under Heath after De Gaulle’s resignation

1975 EEC referendum under Wilson- 67% to stay

Question 7

What was Britain’s role in Europe in the 80s-90s?

Answer 7

Thatcher negotiated a £1 billion rebate at 1984 Fontainebleau summit (said Britain was overpaying the EEC)

Major signed the Maastricht Treaty in 92, creating the EU, despite opposition from Eurosceptics in the Tory party

Question 8

What factors influenced Britain’s decolonisation policy in the 50s and 60s?

Answer 8

Accelerated decolonisation in Africa: Ghana 57, Nigeria 60, Kenya 63

Driven by nationalist movements e.g. Mau Mau uprising in Kenya and economic pressures

Suez Crisis 56 exposed declining imperial power

Question 9

What factors influenced Britain’s decolonisation policy in the 80s-90s?

Answer 9

Thatcher resisted imposing sanctions on apartheid South Africa which isolated Britain diplomatically

Question 10

How did the 1982 Falklands War impact Britain’s global role?

Answer 10

Victory affirmed Britain’s military capability and sovereignty in overseas territories

Deployed 28000 troops and relied on US logistical support (e.g. Sidewinder missiles)

Boosted Thatcher’s popularity at home and internationally

BUT Cost £1.5 billion and showed Britain’s reliance on USA

Question 11

What was Britain’s role in the Cold War in the 50s-60s?

Answer 11

Key NATO member, hosting US bases and deploying nuclear weapons

Supported US in Korean War 1950-53

Question 12

What was Britain’s role in the Cold War in the 80s?

Answer 12

Thatcher aligned with Reagan on anti-Soviet policies and supported the Strategic Defence Initiative

Britain’s defence budget under Thatcher rose by 3% annually

Question 13

How did Britain’s role in the Gulf War 1990-91 demonstrate its global position?

Answer 13

Contributed 53000 troops (2nd largest force)

Fought alongside USA to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait

Showed Britain’s ability to mobilise forces quickly and effectively

Question 14

How important was Britain’s role in the UN?

Answer 14

Founding member with permanent seat on Security Council

Contributed to peacekeeping missions e.g. Cyprus 64 and Bosnia 90s

Criticised for prioritising alliances over international consensus (e.g. US policies in the Middle East)

Question 15

What factors influenced Britain’s decolonisation policy in the 70s?

Answer 15

Focus shifted to supported post-colonial states through the Commonwealth

Strained relations (e.g. Rhodesia’s unilateral declaration of independence 65)