Britain's entry into and relations with Europe; the state of the 'special relationship' with USA; attitudes to USSR and China
Between 1951 and 1979, Britain struggled to define its place in the world. It eventually joined the European Economic Community, maintained a close but unequal alliance with the USA, and cautiously managed tensions with the Soviet Union and China.
Real World
De Gaulle's two vetoes of British EEC membership (1963 and 1967) forced Britain to wait until 1973 under Heath — illustrating how France's scepticism of Britain's 'special relationship' with America blocked European integration.
Exam Focus
Structure answers on Britain's world role around the tension between three commitments — Europe, the USA, and the Commonwealth — rather than treating each separately.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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