Relations with and policies towards USA, particularly issue of Vietnam; response to world affairs and relations with Europe; decolonisation including 'withdrawal East of Suez' and Rhodesia.
During the 1960s, Britain had to manage a shrinking empire, a demanding American ally, and a Europe it was not yet part of. These pressures forced difficult choices about where Britain stood in the world.
Real World
When Wilson announced in 1968 that British forces would withdraw from bases 'East of Suez' by 1971, it signalled definitively that Britain was no longer a global imperial power — a moment Malaysia and Singapore had to plan around.
Exam Focus
When answering on Britain's world role, explicitly connect withdrawal East of Suez, EEC rejection, and Vietnam refusal as evidence of declining global influence.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?