Foreign Policy (1951-64) Flashcards
1
Q
2
Describe EEC application and rejection (1951-64)
A
- Macmillan applied in 1961
- De Gaulle vetoed entry in 1963
2
Q
7
Describe how De Gaulle led to EEC rejection in 1963
A
- Suspicions over ‘special relationship’
- Intended to keep France as main force in EEC - ‘five hens and one cockerel’ speech
- Delayed negotations for 2 years to achieve securer veto position
3
Q
5
Describe how American influence led to EEC rejection in 1963
A
- EEC intended to be Western counterforce to US
- In obtaining Polaris Missiles from USA at Nassau Talks, UK had confirmed dependency on US
4
Q
4
Describe how Commonwealth relations led EEC rejection in 1963
A
- Rejected in 1955 to prevent damage to Commonwealth economies
- EFTA / Commonwealth had trade privileges e.g. priviledges of lamb exports from NZ would’ve been blocked by EEC rules
5
Q
5
What were the consequences of EEC rejection in 1963?
A
- Personal blow to Macmillan, who resigned later that year
- It was clear that Britain would have to reapply, though with reduced bargaining power
6
Q
5
Describe how British Imperalist attitudes caused the Suez Crisis
A
- Egypt = former British colony (not in empire however)
- Battle of ideals between leaders
7
Q
2
How did the Suez Crisis come to an end?
A
- Ceasefire agreed on 7 Nov (1956) following economic and political pressure
- Britain conceded defeat in favour of UN multinational peacekeeping force
8
Q
5
Describe opposition to the Suez Crisis
A
- Eisenhower strongly against military action - wary of impending election
- About 30 Tory MPs were critical of invasion - key figure was RAB
9
Q
5
Describe the main consequences of the Suez Crisis
A
- Political e.g. Eden’s resignation
- Economic
- Empire dwindling
10
Q
5
Describe the short-term impact of the Suez Crisis
A
- Strained US/France/Commonwealth relations
- Resignation of Eden
- Western Europe fuel rationing
11
Q
3
Describe the 1952 Bermuda talks
A
- China (backers of NK) had broken Korean ceasefire
- US suggested they would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons
12
Q
3
Describe how Britain’s involvement in the Cold War decreased tensions (1957-64)
A
- 1959, Macmillan displays statesman credentials with visit to Moscow in 1959
- 1963 Test Ban Treaty - Britain one of 3 signatories (along with US/USSR)
- 1964, Douglas-Home refuses to send British troops to support the US in Vietnam
