10 ottob 1963 anni - Special relationship with the Superpowers

Descrizione:

Churchill wanted Britain to have a special relationship with the USA that mirrored the one they had during the war. However Eisenhower did not share the same desire. Churchill envisioned Britain as one of the 'Big Three' superpowers next to the US and Soviet Union. If this was true, Britain was the bottom of the three comparing their wealth, military and influence.

Eden brought Britain's special relationship to a low with the Suez Crisis causing a lack of trust with the USA.

Macmillan was the one who strengthened Britain's relationship with the USA particularly with his relationship with John F Kennedy. Kennedy informed Macmillan on the Cuban Missile Crisis, although Peter Thorneycroft (British chancellor) said Britain was only a bystander.

Along with America, Macmillan had a relationship with Soviet Leader Nikita Khrushchev, meeting him in 1960 for a summit conference. He also visited Moscow in 1959.

The height of Britain's relationship with these superpowers can be seen in Britain taking part of the 1963 Test Ban Treaty- forbidding nuclear weapons in the water, in the atmosphere and outer space. This was one of the only times Britain was seen as equals to the two other parts of the "Big Three".