Foreign Affairs Flashcards
Britains Foreing poisiton in 1950’s?
economically damaged by WW2 so had to withdraw from commitments
1962 Dean Acheson?
’ Braitain has lost an empire, and not found its role yet’
When and significance of SUex Crisis?
(1956) led to political protest, US opposed, serious financial crisis, undermined Britains international position
How did Falklands war begin?
(1981) Foreign secretary (Carrington ) and Defence seretary (Nott)approved withdrawl of HMS Endurance from Islands wihout British naval prescence
–> CArrington advised against it and resigned when they invaded
What happened after Britian left Islands?
Argentinian military junta took it as a hint that they wanted to let Falklands go
–> general Galtieri sent invasion force
What was Thatchers response to Argenitian forces?
Immediate announcement that a naval task force would remove them and assert the right of Fakland Islanders to self-determination
Public opinion over Thatchers immediate announcement over FalkLands?
party soared in opinion polls
risky gamble but patriotic national mood
Events after task force sent to Falkland Islands?
(2nd May) last cahnce for peacful settelement disappeared when British submarine snak argentinisan battleship
–> caused heavy loss of life
(4th May) missile destroyed HMS Sheffield
(21st May) British troops landed at San Carlos Water
(14th June) Argentina surrendered
Public ooinion over isnking argentian ship?
COntreversial:
some apllauded
anti-war protesters claimed it was unnecessary
American support during Flakalnds?
Needed American bases to fight 8000 miles from home
American diplomatic intervention crucial to stop forces obtaining enough missiles to weaken British
Foreign position after Falklands?
critics: war unnecessary because would end up negotiating with Argentina anyway, mainly stand alone event, blip in world affairs
For: psychological impact important, resurgence in national pride
When did diplomatic relations open with Argentina again?
1989
Thatchers position as a international figure in 1987?
respected stateswoman
‘Iron Lady’
revival of ‘special relationship’
comabtive style in Europe
What were Majors aims for foreign policy?
First GUlf War and Europe
What and when was the crisis in yugoslavia?
(1989) stemmed from collapse of communism in Eastern Europoe
–> Yugoslavian president transforming from communsit party leader to extreme Serbian nationalist and threatning violect action against Albanian provinence
What happened in 1991 Yugoslavian crisis?
North slovenia declared independence and Yugoslav state began to break up
–> violent clashes between republics, Croatia and Serbia, over religion and ethnicity