British Post-ww2 Relations Flashcards
Who were the world ‘superpowers’ following WW2?
USA and USSR
- they raced to establish dominance over each other to be seen as the ultimate world power in the Cold War
Why did the Cold War initially benefit the British empire in the short term?
. USA wanted Britain as an ally as Britain would undoubtedly resist communist advances across the globe
. This meant USA allowed Britain’s post-war reimposition of power over the colonies as this would strengthen resistance to communism, especially when it involved driving out communist insurgents
- they even indirectly financed the the Britain re-imposition of power through low interest loans
What are examples of the US supporting the British empire in the short-term after ww2?
. They were prepared to step in when British support for monarchists fighting communism in Greece could no longer be sustained financially (not worth fighting for anymore)
. Truman Doctrine of 1947 pledged to help countries that resisted communism, as well as providing financial and military aid to prop up Greece and Turkey as Britain withdrew from the region.
What were the policies in the Truman doctrine (March 1947)?
. Truman asked congress for $400 million in military and economic assistance for Greece and Turkey to resist communism
. Promised support to those fighting communism
The Truman doctrine showed America’s determination to end its long-standing policy of isolationism (staying out of political affairs) as they knew they were a dominant power now
Why did the US seem to oppose British imperialism from 1947 in the Cold War?
. Communist expansion became more threatening in areas such as the Middle East and Africa where Britain had much influence and the areas depended on the empire.
. USA believed to prevent communism from seeming a good option to nationalist movements, these countries had to be made more stable and economically prosperous
- instead of relying on Britain, should rely on American loans, capitalist practices and world trade as the empire was in a weak economic position and the US were a more attractive superior power at the time
How did Britain view their position of power out of ww2 belief vs reality?
Belief: Britain saw themselves as an equal partner to the USA, with Ernest Bevin saying he didn’t want Britain to be ‘subservient to the USA or to the Soviet Union.’
Reality: the empire didn’t hold this kind of world power anymore and it’s recovery after WW2 heavily relied on the USA and its aid for Britain.
- US aid to Britain to resist communism made Britain feel like they were still a supreme force, but really they were on USA’s leash
In what ways was Britain reliant on the US?
. Marshall Plan for reconstruction post-ww2
. NATO for protection
. Relied on America for Defence
. It was the USA’s economic pressure that forced Britain and France to end invasion of Egypt in 1956
What was the Marshall plan and how did it show Britain’s reliance on the USA?
$3.3 billion economic aid for the reconstruction of post-ww2 Britain
- the fact that the suez crisis ended because of economic pressures from the US reveals that Britain were practically nothing without the backing of the USA, their economic aid was invaluable and allowed Britain to feel as though they were still in a position of power coming out of WW2
What was NATO, when was it set up and why?
1949 - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
- set up as an inter-governmental organisation but with an American supreme allied commander
- members agree to defend each other politically and militarily from third parties
Clearly Britain felt strong as they were protected by USA through NATO
How was Britains reliant on USA militarily for defence?
. Relied on America’s nuclear capacity even though it was developing its own nukes since 1952
. 1958 - Anglo-American mutual defence agreement provided American assistance for the development of a British nuclear Arsenal
. April 1963 - MacMillan and Kennedy signed the Polaris sales agreement, agreeing to supply Britain with Polaris ballistic missiles for use in the Royal Navy submarines
How did the dominions change their preferences post-WW2?
Instead of looking to Britain for safety, looked to USA
When did it become clear that Britain and the dominions accepted the need for US influence?
The formation of SEATO in 1954 in the wake of the Korean War acknowledged the need for an American-led protective alliance, especially against the threat of communism
- America’s commanding role in the Korean War also showcased who was the dominant power now and everyone knew it
