Creation of Common Wealth
▪ NATO
Decolonization of the British Empire
▪ Internal Policies and EEC
▪ Foreign Policy
XIII. Great Britain and the Cold War
1. Creation of the Commonwealth
Background: The British Empire, which once spanned large parts of the world, began to dissolve after World War II. However, Britain sought to maintain a connection with its former colonies by forming the Commonwealth of Nations.
Transition from Empire to Commonwealth:
After World War II, many British colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean gained independence. Britain encouraged these newly independent nations to join the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of sovereign states.
Formation: The modern Commonwealth was officially created in 1949 by the London Declaration, where it was agreed that member countries could be republics or have their own monarchs but would still recognize the British monarch as the symbolic head of the Commonwealth.
Purpose: The Commonwealth aimed to promote democracy, human rights, economic development, and cooperation among its member states.
Significance: Pakistan, India, and many African nations joined the Commonwealth after gaining independence. It allowed Britain to maintain positive relations with its former colonies without direct political control.
2. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Origins: After World War II, tensions between the Western Allies (led by the U.S. and Britain) and the Soviet Union escalated into what is known as the Cold War. This led to the formation of military alliances for protection.
Creation of NATO: In 1949, Britain, along with the United States, Canada, and other Western European nations, formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The goal was to create a collective defense pact against any possible Soviet aggression.
Principle of Collective Defense: According to NATO’s Article 5, an attack on one member country is considered an attack on all, ensuring mutual defense.
Britain’s Role: Britain was a founding member of NATO and played a key role in the alliance. It hosted American military bases and contributed significantly to Western Europe’s defense during the Cold War.
Importance in the Cold War: NATO acted as a counterbalance to the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact, creating two competing military blocs in Europe and helping to prevent direct conflict between the superpowers through deterrence.
3. Decolonization of the British Empire
End of Empire: After World War II, the British Empire, burdened by war costs and growing nationalist movements, began to grant independence to its colonies. This process, known as decolonization, accelerated in the 1950s and 1960s.
Key Examples:
India and Pakistan (1947): One of the first and most significant acts of decolonization was the partition of British India into two independent states—India and Pakistan.
Africa: In the 1950s and 1960s, Britain decolonized most of its African colonies, including Ghana (1957), Nigeria (1960), Kenya (1963), and Zimbabwe (1980).
Factors Driving Decolonization:
Economic Strain: After World War II, Britain faced economic difficulties and could no longer afford to maintain its empire.
Nationalism: Nationalist movements within colonies, such as the Indian National Congress and the Mau Mau Uprising in Kenya, pressured Britain to grant independence.
International Pressure: The United Nations and rising superpowers like the United States supported the principle of self-determination, pressuring colonial powers to decolonize.
Impact on Britain: Although Britain’s global influence declined, it maintained diplomatic and economic ties with its former colonies through the Commonwealth.
4. Internal Policies and the European Economic Community (EEC)
Economic Challenges: After the war, Britain faced economic decline, including shortages, high debt, and a shrinking empire. To address these challenges, Britain sought to modernize its economy and improve its trade relations.
Initial Hesitation with the EEC:
The European Economic Community (EEC), established in 1957, was a group of six European countries that aimed to create a common market and economic cooperation.
Initially, Britain hesitated to join the EEC because of its Commonwealth ties and the belief that it could remain a world power without full integration into Europe.
Efforts to Join: Britain applied for EEC membership twice, in 1961 and 1967, but its applications were vetoed by French President Charles de Gaulle.
Entry into the EEC: Britain finally joined the EEC in 1973 under Prime Minister Edward Heath, seeking to gain economic benefits from being part of a larger European market. This was an important step in Britain’s economic and foreign policy as it aligned itself more closely with Europe.
Internal Economic Policies:
Welfare State: The post-war Labour government’s policies, such as the creation of the National Health Service (NHS), continued to shape British society, offering universal healthcare and social security benefits.
Industrial Reforms: Governments in the 1950s and 1960s focused on nationalizing industries and addressing industrial disputes to rebuild the economy.
5. Foreign Policy during the Cold War
Special Relationship with the U.S.: Britain developed a close relationship with the United States, known as the “special relationship,” during the Cold War. They worked together to oppose the spread of communism and supported each other in conflicts such as the Korean War (1950-1953).
Involvement in Conflicts:
Suez Crisis (1956): Britain, along with France and Israel, attempted to regain control of the Suez Canal from Egypt’s nationalist leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser. The operation was a failure, and Britain faced international condemnation, particularly from the U.S., highlighting its declining global influence.
Malayan Emergency (1948-1960): Britain fought communist insurgents in its colony of Malaya, successfully preventing the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.
Nuclear Policy: Britain became the third country to develop nuclear weapons in 1952. Throughout the Cold War, it maintained an independent nuclear deterrent, but it also relied on U.S. support for its defense.
Focus on Europe: After joining the EEC in 1973, Britain’s foreign policy increasingly focused on maintaining strong relations with European nations, while also managing its relationship with the U.S. and the Commonwealth.
6. Conclusion
During the Cold War, Britain faced the challenge of transitioning from a global empire to a key player in European and global politics. The creation of the Commonwealth allowed Britain to maintain close ties with its former colonies, while its role in NATO and participation in the Cold War reinforced its position as a major Western power. The process of decolonization marked the end of the British Empire, but Britain sought new ways to maintain influence, particularly through its “special relationship” with the United States and membership in the European Economic Community. Despite facing economic difficulties and a reduced global role, Britain remained a key player in international diplomacy during this period.
