Winston Churchill coined the term Special Relationship in his famous speech in Fulton, Missouri in 1946. This term characterises the unparalleled close Anglo-American relations during the Second World War and in the time thereafter. The shared perception that Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union constituted major external threats to their well-being bound the societies and leaderships of Great Britain and the United States together. The looming menace ceased to exist after the break-up of the Soviet Union and the demise of Communism, and for several authors so did the raison d´être of the Special Relationship as well.
It was more however that brought these two countries together than the shared perception of a communist threat. Why is it that “neither country has fully adjusted its mind to thinking of the members of the other society as foreigners”, and that Americans still refer to Britain as the “mother country” every now and then? Why do certain authors call Britain the “fortified outpost of the Anglo-Saxon race” or the “unsinkable aircraft carrier”? And is it just by chance that fictional author George Orwell calls Britain “Airstrip One” and associates it with North America in his novel “1984”? Is it a coincidence or are these – admittedly vague – expressions signs of subtle yet overarching bonds between the two countries?
This work will analyse and discuss various aspects of Anglo-American relations. The apparent cooperation in the fields of foreign and security policy will be assessed, as well as the more disguised realm of military and intelligence collaboration. Following is a chapter about two aspects that dominate our time, economy and business in the Anglo-American relationship. The last chapter attempts to illuminate the obscure field of “private” relations between the Anglo-American nations, as well as the importance of the personal relationships between the individual Presidents and Prime Ministers. For a better understanding of Anglo-American Affairs the common backgrounds of the two countries are assessed historically, culturally and in terms of language. The question or the leitmotif on which this work is be based asks whether the concept of a Special Relationship in current Anglo-American relations is still a de facto reality or just a myth, that lingers on from the shared experience of the two World wars:
Does the weary British Lion still enjoy a remarkably “special” relationship with the almighty American Eagle?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction: "The lion and the eagle"
- II. Aspects of the "Special Relationship":
- 1. Common historical, cultural and linguistic background
- 2. Foreign and security policy
- 3. Intelligence agencies and the military
- 4. Economy and business
- 5. Personal and private relations
- III. Conclusion
- Outlook: Great Britain torn between America and Europe?
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to analyze the nature of the "Special Relationship" between Great Britain and the USA, examining whether it is a genuine reality or simply a lingering myth. The study explores various aspects of this relationship to determine the extent and depth of the bond between the two nations.
- Historical, cultural, and linguistic commonalities between Great Britain and the USA
- Cooperation in foreign and security policy
- Military and intelligence collaboration
- Economic and business ties
- The role of personal relationships between leaders
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction: "The lion and the eagle": This introductory chapter establishes the central question of the paper: Is the "Special Relationship" between Great Britain and the USA a lasting reality or merely a myth? It introduces Winston Churchill's coining of the term and explores the historical context of shared threats (Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union) that initially fostered the close relationship. The chapter then raises further questions about the deeper, less tangible connections between the two nations, hinting at underlying cultural and societal bonds that extend beyond shared geopolitical anxieties. The introduction sets the stage for a multifaceted examination of the Anglo-American relationship, promising a detailed analysis of various aspects of their interaction.
II.1. Common linguistic, cultural and historical background: This section delves into the shared historical roots of Great Britain and the USA, tracing the process of English colonization of North America from the earliest settlements to the American Revolution. It highlights the significant population influx from the British Isles, contrasting it with the more limited presence of Spanish and French settlements. The narrative details the expansion of English colonies through conquest, as exemplified by the takeover of New Netherland, culminating in British dominance of the east coast by 1763. However, the chapter also acknowledges the tensions that arose between the colonies and England, particularly the issue of taxation, which ultimately led to the American War of Independence. The discussion underscores the lasting impact of British colonization on American political and cultural identity, while simultaneously emphasizing the complex and often strained nature of their early relationship. The influence of English philosophers like John Locke on the American Revolution is mentioned, showing the interwoven intellectual and ideological links. Further, the chapter touches upon key events like the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812, illustrating the ongoing interplay between the two nations even after the American Revolution.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Special Relationship, Anglo-American relations, Great Britain, USA, historical background, cultural ties, linguistic commonalities, foreign policy, security policy, military cooperation, intelligence agencies, economic relations, business, personal relations, political influence, American Revolution, colonization.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of the Anglo-American "Special Relationship"
What is the main focus of this academic work?
This academic work analyzes the nature of the "Special Relationship" between Great Britain and the USA. It investigates whether this relationship is a genuine reality or merely a persistent myth, exploring various aspects to determine the depth and extent of the bond between the two nations.
What aspects of the "Special Relationship" are examined?
The analysis examines several key aspects, including shared historical, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds; cooperation in foreign and security policy; military and intelligence collaboration; economic and business ties; and the role of personal relationships between leaders.
What is the structure of the work?
The work is structured into an introduction, several chapters exploring different facets of the relationship, and a conclusion. The introduction establishes the central research question and sets the stage for the analysis. Subsequent chapters delve into specific areas such as shared historical roots, cultural ties, foreign policy cooperation, and economic relationships. The conclusion summarizes the findings.
What historical context is considered?
The analysis considers a broad historical context, starting from the earliest English colonization of North America and the American Revolution, including key events like the Louisiana Purchase and the War of 1812. It also examines the influence of shared threats, such as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, in fostering closer ties.
What is the significance of the "Special Relationship"?
The work aims to determine the genuine nature and extent of the "Special Relationship." It explores whether the perceived closeness is a product of shared history, enduring cultural connections, strategic interests, or a combination of factors. The impact of this relationship on both nations' foreign and domestic policies is implicitly examined.
What are the key themes explored?
Key themes include the common historical, cultural, and linguistic background shared by Britain and the USA; the extent of cooperation in foreign and security policies; the nature of military and intelligence collaboration; the economic and business ties between the two nations; and the influence of personal relationships between political leaders.
What is the conclusion's role?
The conclusion summarizes the findings of the analysis, offering a comprehensive assessment of the "Special Relationship." It likely presents an answer to the core question of whether the relationship is a genuine reality or a myth, based on the evidence presented throughout the work.
What are some keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include: Special Relationship, Anglo-American relations, Great Britain, USA, historical background, cultural ties, linguistic commonalities, foreign policy, security policy, military cooperation, intelligence agencies, economic relations, business, personal relations, political influence, American Revolution, colonization.
What is the chapter on common linguistic, cultural, and historical background about?
This chapter delves into the shared roots of Great Britain and the USA, tracing the process of English colonization of North America, highlighting the population influx from the British Isles, and acknowledging the tensions that led to the American Revolution. It examines the lasting impact of British colonization on American identity and the complex interplay between the two nations throughout history, including the influence of figures like John Locke.
- Quote paper
- MA Internationale Beziehungen Jan Fichtner (Author), 2003, The Special Relationship between Great Britain and the USA - Myth or Reality?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/33968
