Chapter 12 Flashcards
What was the main topic of debate in the House of Commons on 9 February 1976?
The links between foreign policy and morality
Colin Jackson referenced Palmerston’s view on eternal interests in international relations.
What did Colin Jackson believe about Britain’s role in international relations?
He believed that Britain could be an example of how morality can show itself in international relations.
In what year did Britain finally join the European Economic Community (EEC)?
1973
Who was the British Prime Minister that supported Britain’s entry into the EEC?
Edward Heath
What was Edward Heath’s perspective on European cooperation?
He saw it as key to preventing a repetition of events like those under the Nazi government.
Which French President was suspicious of Britain’s links with the United States?
Charles de Gaulle
Who succeeded Charles de Gaulle and was more favorable towards Britain’s entry into the EEC?
Georges Pompidou
What was one of the major concerns among critics of Britain’s entry into the EEC?
The belief that Britain would be surrendering her sovereignty.
Who was one of the most vocal critics of Edward Heath’s decision to join the EEC?
Enoch Powell
Fill in the blank: Enoch Powell voted against the passage of the European bill through Parliament at _______ stage.
every single
What was Enoch Powell’s reaction to the treaty being signed before parliamentary debate?
He believed Heath had betrayed the country.
What did Enoch Powell call on his supporters to do during the February 1974 election?
Vote Labour
Which three countries joined the EEC alongside Britain in 1973?
- Ireland
- Denmark
- Britain
What was the context behind Edward Heath’s first speech in Parliament regarding the EEC?
It was about the Schuman Plan, the forerunner to the EEC.
What was a key factor that facilitated Britain’s entry into the EEC in 1973?
Detailed arrangements and exceptions were already in place from negotiations in 1962.
What was the main focus of the Labour Party regarding Europe during the 1970s?
The Labour Party was badly divided on the issue of Europe.
Some members were committed pro-Europeans, while others were mostly hostile.
What was Wilson’s main aim when the Labour Party returned to government in 1974?
Party unity.
This was demonstrated in the referendum campaign of 1975.
What strategy did Wilson employ during the 1975 referendum campaign?
He allowed his anti-European cabinet colleagues to campaign according to their own views.
Wilson and Callaghan argued that they themselves were neutral.
In the 1975 referendum, what percentage of voters supported staying in the EEC?
68.3 percent voted ‘yes’.
This translated to 17 million votes.
What were the two main categories of the No campaigners during the 1975 referendum?
- Argued it would be bad for British workers
- Believed Britain would lose its independence
What did the leaflet ‘Why you should vote NO’ claim about EEC membership?
It argued that membership was a bad bargain and would merge Britain with other countries, taking away self-rule.
It stated that laws and policies affecting citizens’ lives would be decided by the Common Market.
What did Edward Heath’s leadership contribute to regarding Britain’s entry into the EEC?
Heath’s persistence and commitment brought Britain into the EEC.
This occurred despite concerns that membership was too late.
What was the outcome of the 1975 referendum?
Britain’s membership was confirmed by a decisive margin of more than two to one.
