Explain how WW2 changed the direction of British Foreign Policy.

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Ian Chandler

Explain how WW2 changed the direction of                 British Foreign Policy

Britain’s foreign policy in the inter-war period still retained old imperialist notions.  Many Generals and MP’s still held jingoist sympathies, believing strongly in the advancement of the ‘Great’ British Empire.  This aspect of British foreign policy Britain was mirrored only by Italy (Mussolini), Germany (Hitler) and the Soviet Union (Stalin).  However due to Britain having by far the largest empire it was able to enforce tariffs which gave Britain a huge amount of wealth, as imports coming from outside the British Empire were virtually stopped.  The USA had an entirely different policy based around ‘self-determination’ and free world trade.  The dramatic change in British foreign policy after the war was a result of their war alliance.

        ‘The sun never sets on the British Empire’ was a common phrase in the first half of the century, expressing the enormity of the Empire as it contained Canada, African countries, the Middle East, India and surrounding parts of the sub continent, as well as Oceania (Australia and New Zealand). The Empire had indeed expanded in the 20th Century after World War One, which meant that the British Empire covered over one quarter of the world. Tariffs meant trade within the Empire flourished giving Britain great wealth. However having a large Empire also had its downside.  Although viewed as a Great Power the British military strength was too weak to defend all its colonies at once and she was grossly unprepared for war.  Therefore when WW2 was declared Britain’s global bluff was called and her weakness exposed.  She had to find some new allies to help combat the Axis Alliance.

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        Churchill’s strong friendship with Roosevelt meant Britain could always rely on the USA’s support. However as most Americans were not keen on getting involved in what they thought as a ‘European War’ Britain did not receive America’s direct support.  Instead America sent escort vessels to protect trade, arms, tools, machinery and most important of all financial aid.  In 1941 the ‘Grand Alliance’ was formed due to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour and Operation Barbarossa.  The alliance, described as a ‘marriage of convenience’, was bound together by the desire to defeat the common enemy (Germany).  Prior to the Anglo-American alliance, Britain ...

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