Module description
This course will explore the Anglo-American relationship, principally from the UK’s perspective, from the end of World War II to the beginning of the ‘War on Terror’. The focus will be in the areas of diplomatic, military and economic relations, with an emphasis on particular events and the responses of policymakers and policymaking. It will be the aim of this course to examine the ways in which British policymakers sought, successfully and unsuccessfully, to harness and shape American growing power. It will demonstrate that post-1945 relations between the two countries was shaped by a longer history of Anglo-American relations; on the challenges that Britain faced as European power with a declining global presence; on her position in Europe after the World War II; on her steadfastness as an ally in the Cold War; on her military strengths (and weaknesses); and her consistent determination to remain on the ‘top table’ of world affairs. Additionally, it will also discuss, where relevant, the influence of culture and shared democratic and economic values. Topics covered will include: Anglo-American relations during the onset of the Cold War; the 1956 Suez Crisis; the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis; the 1976 IMF Crisis; Anglo-American relations vis-à-vis European integration; the Grenada Crisis; the UK’s response to the Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI or Star Wars); the Fall of the Berlin Wall; the First Iraq War; and the UK response to 9/11.
Assessment details
4,500 word essay (100% of module mark)
Educational aims & objectives
- To increase understanding of the history of Anglo - American relations since 1945.
- To understand the conceptual frameworks within which this can be analysed
- To develop familiarity with the events that defined modern Anglo - Americans relations
- To develop the ability to evaluate and interpret primary sources
- To develop the ability to compare events over different periods of time and geographic areas
- To develop coherent and fluent critical writing
- To develop coherent and fluent participation in oral discussion
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, the students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 7 module and in particular will be able to demonstrate:
- An advanced understanding of the history of Anglo - American relations from the perspective of policymakers and policymaking
- A detailed knowledge of the current historiography in this area
- Understanding of the issues involved in comparing events around the world and with current events
- The capacity to formulate their own arguments and questions about Anglo - American relations in the postwar period
- Used and understood primary sources to analyse the history of Anglo - American relations
- Undertaken a detailed investigation of a particular relevant historical episode
Teaching pattern
Weekly 1-hour lecture & 1-hour seminar
Suggested reading list
- K Burk, Old World, New World: Great Britain and America from the Beginning (2008)
- J Dumbrell, A Special Relationship: Anglo-American Relations from the Cold War to Iraq, 2nd edition (2006).
- R Renwick, Fighting With Allies. America and Britain in Peace and at War (1996)
- D Reynolds, Britannia Overruled. British Policy and World Power in the 20th Century, 2nd edn. (2013)
- H Temperley, Britain and America Since Independence (2002)