International History Flashcards
(16 cards)
Why was Britain more likely to be accepted into the EEC by 1973?
Heath was more pro-European, de Gaulle (who had vetoed UK membership) was replaced by Pompidou, and negotiations had already taken place in 1963 and 1968.
What were the main obstacles to gaining parliamentary approval for EEC entry?
Euro-sceptics like Enoch Powell, divisions in Labour, and accusations of ‘surrendering sovereignty.’
When did Britain sign the Treaty of Accession to the EEC?
1972; Britain became a full member on 1 January 1973.
What did Edward Heath view as his greatest political achievement?
Britain’s entry into the EEC.
Why was Britain in a weak position when negotiating EEC entry in 1972?
Economic decline made Britain look desperate, and it had to accept EEC terms.
What were the economic sacrifices Britain made upon joining the EEC?
Loss of cheap Commonwealth imports, higher contributions to EEC, and reduced autonomy.
What were the main advantages of EEC membership for Britain?
Access to European markets, foreign investment, regional development grants, and right to work in EEC countries.
Why did Harold Wilson call the 1975 referendum on EEC membership?
To manage Labour Party divisions and renegotiate Britain’s membership terms.
What was the result of the 1975 EEC Referendum?
67.2% voted ‘Yes’ to stay in the EEC across the UK.
What criticisms were made of the 1975 referendum?
It was seen as undemocratic, with a bias in funding and a campaign based more on fear than enthusiasm.
How did Edward Heath view the ‘special relationship’?
He prioritised relations with Europe over the USA and refused to act as a US intermediary.
What event strained US-UK relations under Heath in 1973?
Britain refused to allow the US to use NATO bases during the Arab-Israeli War (Yom Kippur War).
How did Wilson and Callaghan view the special relationship (1974–79)?
Both supported it, emphasising ties through NATO and shared Atlantic values.
What was détente and how did it affect Britain’s relationship with the USSR?
Détente was the easing of tensions; Britain followed the US lead in improving relations.
What incident showed ongoing tensions with the USSR in the 1970s?
The assassination of Georgi Markov in 1978, likely by the KGB.
How did Britain’s relationship with China change in the 1970s?
Relations improved after Nixon’s visit to China in 1972; Heath made multiple visits and was honoured by the Chinese.
