Wilson and the 'Special Relationship' (1964-1970)

Question 1

The Prague Spring (1968)

Answer 1

• January-August of 1968
• New Communist leader, Alexander Dubcek, introduced reforms
  Increased freedom of speech, movement to demilitarise the economy
• August 1968: Soviet Union responded to this with a military invasion into Czechoslovakia to suppress the ‘anti-Communist’ activity

Question 2

Wilson’s Attitudes Towards the Vietnam War

Answer 2

• President Lyndon B. Johnson wanted the UK to provide troops like Australia did
• Wilson resisted any direct military involvement
• Wilson wanted to maintain the Atlantic Alliance but the war became hugely unpopular in Britain, especially Labour left-wing
• Risked losing political support
• Britain also couldn’t financially afford to join the war, Wilson also needed US support for the Sterling to avoid devaluation, couldn’t upset them
• US attempted to bribe UK to join, offering financial aid
• Wilson publicly supported the war, offered moral support
• Banned his gov from publicly condemning the war
• Annoyed US and Labour left-wing

Question 3

Anti-Vietnam War Protests

Answer 3

• 1966: Vietnam Solidarity Campaign (VSC) set up, mainly uni students
• Battle of Grosvenor Square (1968): violent anti-Viet war demonstration, over 200 arrested
• Various university protests, combined demands for student power & opposition to Viet War
• E.g. Sussex University: speaker on Vietnam War, from American Embassy, covered in red paint