Unit 7 Flashcards
(22 cards)
Why did Britain get involved in the Korean War?
Britain joined the Korean War to support the United Nations in resisting North Korean aggression and to stand with the USA during the Cold War against communism.
•Advantage: Demonstrated Britain’s commitment to collective security and NATO.
•Disadvantage: British forces suffered casualties in a war with limited direct national interest.
Why did Britain get involved with the suez crisis?
Britain intervened after Egypt nationalised the Suez Canal, a crucial trade route. Britain, France, and Israel launched a military intervention to regain control and remove Nasser.
Advantage: Initially aimed to protect vital economic interests and global standing.
Disadvantage: Severe diplomatic backlash, especially from the US, damaged Britain’s global prestige.
Why did Britain get involved with the Falkland war?
Britain fought Argentina after it invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory, to defend its sovereignty and citizens.
Advantage: Military success restored national pride and affirmed Britain’s global military capability.
Disadvantage: Costly in terms of lives and finance, and strained relations with Latin America.
What was NATO?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance formed in 1949 for mutual defence. If one member is attacked, others consider it an attack on all.
Why did Britain get involved with the first gulf war?
Britain joined the US-led coalition to liberate Kuwait after Iraq’s invasion, upholding international law and UN resolutions.
Advantage: Strengthened international alliances and Britain’s global role.
Disadvantage: Involvement in a prolonged Middle East conflict with ongoing regional instability.
What does the term ‘special relationship’ mean?
It refers to the close political, military, cultural, and economic ties between the UK and the USA, especially after WWII.
3 examples of good UK–USA relations:
WWII alliance – cooperation against Nazi Germany.
Reagan-Thatcher era (1980s) – strong ideological alignment.
First Gulf War (1991) – joint military action.
3 examples of tense UK–USA relations:
Suez Crisis (1956) – USA condemned British actions.
Vietnam War – UK did not commit troops, creating tensions.
Grenada Invasion (1983) – US acted without consulting Britain.
What was the Balkan Conflict?
Series of wars in the 1990s following the breakup of Yugoslavia, involving ethnic violence and humanitarian crises. NATO (including Britain) intervened, especially in Bosnia and Kosovo.
What is the G8?
The Group of Eight was a forum of eight major industrialised nations (UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia) for economic and political discussions. Russia was later suspended (now G7).
What was the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI)?
A US missile defence project proposed by President Reagan in 1983 to protect against Soviet nuclear attacks, dubbed “Star Wars.” It worried Britain as it risked escalating the arms race.
2 examples of friendly Anglo–Russian relations (1950–1997):
1945–46: Post-WWII cooperation in defeating Nazi Germany.
1991: British support for Russia’s transition after the Soviet Union collapsed.
2 examples of hostile Anglo–Russian relations (1950–1997):
Cold War tensions – mutual espionage and arms competition.
Czech invasion (1968) – Britain condemned Soviet action in Prague Spring.
What are the 6 key principles of the UN Charter?
1.Sovereign equality of all member states
2.Peaceful settlement of disputes
3.Prohibition of threat or use of force
4.Non-intervention in domestic affairs
5.Cooperation to solve international problems
6.Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
What does National Sovereignty mean?
The principle that a state has the right to govern itself without external interference.
What is the Exchange Rate Mechanism of the 1991 Maastricht Treaty?
It aimed to reduce exchange rate fluctuations between European currencies, preparing for a single currency (the euro). Britain joined briefly but withdrew in 1992 (Black Wednesday).
What was the EFTA?
The European Free Trade Association was formed in 1960 by Britain and others as an alternative to the EEC (European Economic Community), promoting free trade among members.
What was Britain’s nuclear arsenal?
Britain developed nuclear weapons from the 1950s onwards, including the V-bomber force, Polaris missiles, and later Trident submarines, as part of its deterrence strategy.
What does decolonisation mean?
The process by which colonies gained independence and self-rule, especially after WWII.
What does Commonwealth mean?
A voluntary association of former British colonies and territories, promoting cooperation in democracy, development, and trade.
5 problems Britain faced in 1951 with its imperial policy:
1.Rising nationalist movements in colonies
2.Cost of maintaining overseas territories
3.International pressure (especially from USA and UN)
4.Decline of British economic power
5.Military overstretch and
commitments elsewhere
4 reasons Britain granted independence (1957–64):
1.Economic burden of maintaining the empire
2.Rise of strong nationalist movements
3.Influence of international opinion (e.g., UN, USA)
4.Strategic shift towards cooperation within the Commonwealth
