Foreign Policy

Question 1

What is the entire arguement for foreign policy ?

Answer 1

• most overlooked and ignored positive impact of Wilson’s government was his consistent commitment to keep British forces out of Vietnam
• Wilson managed to skilful balance the opinions of Wilson and his anti war cabinet members

Question 2

What is the counter argument to Wilson’s decision to keep British troops out of Vietnam ?

Answer 2

• Britain could not afford to enter Vietnam with the war costing the US $168 billion in Vietnam
• However, in 1967 Johnson afforded to resolve British economic problems if British troops were deployed however Wilson refused this offer

Question 3

How did the left and the public see the Vietnam war ?

Answer 3

• Labour left saw the policies US as aggressive and some members felt spread of communism was acceptable
• Polls also showed that, in 1966, 81% of Brits were opposed to the war

Question 4

How did Wilson appease left and Johnson ?

Answer 4

• Left: refusal to deploy troops and the critisiation in June 1966 of the heavy US bombing in North Vietnam
• Johnson: supported Johnson in his commitment of US troops saying ‘ support for the American stand against communist infiltration in south Vietnam’

Question 5

What shows neither side were fully satisfied ?

Answer 5

• could not fully appease US as he couldn’t send troops and Left enshcewed any support for the US

Question 6

Conclusion ?

Answer 6

• positive but once again Wilson’s failed to fully satirists each side however the impact was positive to an extent