Relations With + Policies Towards USA

Question 1

What brought about decolonisation?

Answer 1

-1964 ‘winds of change’ brought independence to 18 new commonwealth states
-Wilson govt hoped to continue — more decolonisation, reducing Br military responsibilities
-special relation with US + relation with Europe - highlighted by Br attitude Vietnam + joining EEC

Question 2

What was Wilson’s view on relations with USA?

Answer 2

-pro American + supporters Atlantic alliance
-Cold War ongoing + Br wanted ensure US remained committed to defence of Europe
-Wilson gave speech 1964 in US outlining view on their relationship ‘seek… closer relationship based on…common aims’

Question 3

What was the Vietnam war?

Answer 3

-Vietnam divided into two states - communist north + non-communist south
-us supported the south against Viet cong rebels
-this support escalated after 1964

Question 4

How did the war end?

Answer 4

-ended 1975 when US withdrew + viet cong rebels took control of whole country
-war extremely controversial + increasingly unpopular as casualties + atrocities mounted

Question 5

How did the war cause strains with Br?

Answer 5

-escalation of war 1964 pres Johnson wanted allies send troops
-Aus sent troops + wanted Br to do the same but Wilson resisted direct military action

Question 6

What was Britain’s response?

Answer 6

-balancing act
-maintain Atlantic alliance but war hugely unpopular in Br
-especially with left + risked losing political support if too supportive

Question 7

What were the economic + financial considerations?

Answer 7

-Br couldn’t afford military action but Wilson needed US support to support value of sterling + avoid devaluation
-Wilson couldn’t alienate US

Question 8

What was Wilson’s policy?

Answer 8

-Wilson gave moral support instead of
-this annoyed US who wanted greater backing + lab MPs who wanted govt to condemn the US