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.
How did Heath’s approach differ in terms of the Atlantic Alliance?
He rejected attempts to use Britain as a link with Europe and insisted the US negotiate with the European Community as a whole.
True or False: Edward Heath had a strong sentimental approach towards the special relationship with the USA.
False.
Kissinger noted Heath dealt with the US with an unsentimentality.
Fill in the blank: The Labour Party officially opposed Heath’s plans when they came to _______.
Parliament.
What was the key term defined as the equivalent of a minister at a European level?
European commissioner.
What event in October 1973 worsened relations between Britain and the United States?
The Yom Kippur War
The Yom Kippur War involved Israel and a coalition of Arab states, which included Egypt and Syria.
Which countries were involved in the Yom Kippur War?
Israel, Egypt, Syria
The conflict had implications for the Cold War with the USSR supporting the Arab states.
What did the US want to use during the Yom Kippur War?
NATO bases in Europe
Most European states, including Britain, refused permission due to fears for oil supplies.
What is the 30-year rule?
Government documents without security restrictions are released to the public after 30 years
This rule allows historical records to be accessible, as seen with the Chequers meeting records.
Who met at Chequers in November 1973?
Edward Heath and the President of France
They discussed the Middle Eastern Crisis among other topics.
What was the British Prime Minister’s view on the Community’s position?
Establishing a position as a European entity in relation to the US
He suggested defining the Community’s relationship with other countries.
What relationship did Callaghan forge in the 1970s?
A strong personal relationship with Kissinger
This relationship was pivotal in negotiating the replacement of Polaris missiles with Trident.
What does détente refer to?
An easing of hostility between nations
This term is often associated with the US-USSR relations during the Cold War.
What was a significant event that demonstrated ongoing tensions with the USSR in the 1970s?
The Georg Markov affair
Markov was assassinated in London in 1978, allegedly by the KGB.
What shift occurred in US relations with China in the early 1970s?
A thawing of relations initiated by Nixon
This included Nixon’s visit to China in February 1972.
What significant diplomatic action did Britain take with China in March 1972?
Agreed to exchange ambassadors
This marked a formal recognition of diplomatic ties.
Who led China from the communist revolution until his death in 1976?
Mao Zedong
He sought rapprochement with the United States as tensions with the USSR grew.
What was the impact of improved relations with China by the end of the 1970s?
Premier Hua Guofeng visited Britain in October 1979
This was the first visit by a Chinese leader to Britain since the communist revolution.
What characterized the attitude of Britain and the US towards communism in the 1970s?
A shared foreign policy objective to hold back communism
Despite disagreements, both countries cooperated against the USSR and China.
Fill in the blank: The special relationship with the United States includes _____ aspects.
political, economic, diplomatic, military, and cultural
Understanding these aspects is crucial for evaluating the relationship.
What was a key feature of British foreign policy in the 1970s?
Withdrawal from East of Suez
This withdrawal began in the 1960s despite US disquiet.
True or False: The relationship between the US and USSR improved significantly during the 1970s.
True
This improvement was marked by attempts at arms limitation and direct contact.
