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The affluent society: Foreign relations 1951-64 - Coggle Diagram
The affluent society: Foreign relations 1951-64
Europe
1957, the EEC was formed but Britain did not initially become involved as right-wing ppl felt Britain would be less of a world power and the left were suspicious of the free-market principles of the common market.
1963, Britain’s application to the EEC was rejected by French President Charles de Gaulle.
Britain wanted to balance its involvement in Europe whilst maintaining the ‘special relationship’ with the USA.
1961, Macmillan applied for Britain to join the EEC, hoping that joining would boost industrial production for a large-scale export market and stimulate rapid economic growth, as already seen in the EEC.
Britain played a key role in the formation of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 1960 as an alternative to the EEC creating a free trade area including Austria, Denmark and Norway but this was only moderately successful.
Debates over nuclear disarmament
Churchill continued the policy of nuclear deterrents and Britain first tests the atomic bomb in 1952.
Concerns of nuclear developments led to the formation of the CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament) in 1958, which rapidly became the most powerful pressure group in Britain.
By 1958, the US started sharing nuclear technology again wiith Britain under the mutual defence agreement.
1956, Suez Crisis
Britain’s position as a world power was questioned and it highlighted Britain’s inability to act without support of the USA.
Eden’s reputation never recovered and he resigned in 1957 due to ‘poor health’.
Head of Egypt, Nassar announced the nationalisation of the Suez Canal.
The Suez Canal was vital to Europe with 80% of Western Europe’s oil imports passing through the canal.
Eden with the support of France and Israel organised a military intervention. The military action didn’t go smoothly with the USA and Labour Party opposing the action.
Britain had to pull out of accepting failure and humiliation. The USA’s opposition also caused a run-on the pound.
Decolonisation
1960, Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech - Macmillan called for decolonisation and recognition of independence movements. He was also calling for country’s to follow majority rule but South Africa followed a white minority rule.
1960, Independence granted to Nigeria and Cyprus
The 1952, Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya by nationalists demonstrated the issues with Britain’s colonial policies.
In 1963, Kenya finally got independent and the leader of the Mau Mau rebellion became president .
This was viewed as a fairly successful policy with the transition form empire to commonwealth by 1964.
1950-53, Korean War
The Korean war demonstrated Britain’s willingness to continue to play a major role in world affairs, despite economic constraints.
Britain sent over 90,000 soldiers , the 2nd biggest contribution after the USA, to support South Korea against the North Korean invasion .
Over 1,000 British soldiers died.
However, it was clear that the USA was the greater power not Britain.
Relations with USA & USSR
The war left Britain in the shadows of the USA and USSR - the two new military superpowers.
Post- war Britain and the USA stayed allies in opposing teh Soviet Union and expansion of communism in Europe.
The special relationship was strong during this period as evident by President Kennedy keeping Mamillan informed during the Cuban missile crisis.
However, the 1956 Suez Crisis and Britain’s relationship with the EEC put strain in the special relationship.
Britain was still militarily overstretched and very dependent on American power.