LBD FACTS: Britain as a world power

Question 1

USSR

Answer 1

• Khrushchev visited Britain in April 1956.
• Harold Macmillan (prime minister 1957-63) went to Moscow in February 1959.
• Each side was involved in espionage - in September 1971 Britain expelled 105 Soviet diplomats accused of spying.
• The collapse of the USSR in December 1991 brought about an entirely new Anglo-Russian relationship.

Question 2

USA

Answer 2

• Kennedy regarded Macmillan as a political father figure and consulted him for advice during 1961 Berlin Crisis and 1962 Cuban missile crisis

Question 3

Europe

Answer 3

• Macmillan – European Free Trade Association 1960 as a rival to the EEC that would not infringe national sovereignty
• 1991 Maastricht Treaty – fundamentally changed the nature of the EEC. Moves towards single market and monetary union. Free movement of people. Migration into Britain is part of moves towards closer union
• 1975 national referendum – 2:1 vote in favour of EU

Question 4

De-colonisation

Answer 4

• The collapse of the USSR in December 1991 brought about an entirely new Anglo-Russian relationship.
• 1948 Colonial Development Cooperation and projects such as East African Groundnut Scheme established. – Further disrupted communities, increased resentment and contributed to the growth of hostility to British rule.
• 1960 Macmillan recognised the strength of anti-colonial nationalism and told South African parliament that ‘the wind of change is blowing through this continent’

Question 5

Crises

Answer 5

• The Suez Canal was a vital route way – 2/3 of oil supplies to Europe passed through it
• British & Commonwealth forces made an important contribution to Korean war but were dwarfed by the American commitment. British 700 killed, American 34,000.
• Defending the Falkland Islands against any future attack required Britain to garrison troops and rebuild the airport - £1.5 million per islander.