Special Relationship Flashcards
(11 cards)
Who was UK Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974 and prioritised Europe over the US?
Edward Heath
Why did France initially veto Britain’s entry into the EEC?
They believed Britain was too close to the US and not serious about European integration.
What was Heath’s attitude toward using Britain as a link between the US and Europe?
He rejected it, insisting the US negotiate with Europe as a whole.
Which event in 1973 caused a strain in UK–US relations under Heath?
The Yom Kippur War and Britain’s refusal to allow US use of NATO bases for Israel support.
Which US president did Heath have a good personal relationship with?
Richard Nixon.
Who were the Labour Prime Ministers between 1974 and 1979?
Harold Wilson and James Callaghan.
What defence agreement did Callaghan negotiate with the US in 1979?
Replacement of Polaris with Trident nuclear missiles.
Which US Secretary of State was central to the 1970s Special Relationship?
Henry Kissinger.
What was Labour’s major defence move in relation to the East of Suez?
They completed British military withdrawal, which upset the US.
How did the Cold War maintain the UK–US Special Relationship?
Britain followed US leadership in the Cold War, supporting détente and China diplomacy.
What was the effect of Nixon’s 1972 visit to China on UK foreign policy?
Britain aligned with US policy and established relations with China in 1979.
