Dr N Ashton, E408.

For MA/MSc History of International Relations, MSc Theory and History of International Relations, MSc History of Empires, LSE-Columbia University Double Degree in International and World History and LSE-PKU Double Degree in MSc International Affairs.

This course analyses the changing nature of the Anglo-American “special” relationship from its creation against the backdrop of the Second World War in Europe through to the end of the Cold War. It will illuminate the foundations of the relationship in terms of culture and ideology, and also the threat posed by common enemies in the Second World War and Cold War. The competitive dimension of the Anglo-American relationship will also be highlighted as a means of explaining instances of discord such as the Suez Crisis of 1956.

The topics covered include: Anglo-American relations in historical perspective; the creation of the Anglo-American alliance, 1939-41; competitive co-operation in war strategy and politics, 1941-45; the American “Occupation” of Britain during the Second World War; the emergence of the Cold War in Europe, 1945-49; the Cold War in Asia, 1945-54; the Palestine question; the Suez Crisis, 1956; nuclear relations, 1939-60; the Skybolt Crisis; Kennedy, Macmillan and the Cuban Missile Crisis; Anglo-American relations and European integration, decolonisation and Anglo-American relations since 1945; the impact of the Vietnam War; transatlantic influences on culture and society since 1945; intelligence co-operation; Thatcher, Reagan and the Cold War in the 1980s; the Falklands War; the significance of personal relations at the top; retrospect and prospects for Anglo-American relations.

The course will be taught by means of 22 seminars of two hours duration during the MT, LT and ST.

Four pieces of written work must be submitted by students taking this course. These consist of three essays of up to 3,000 words in length and one timed class essay.

For an introduction to Anglo-American relations, students should consult the following texts: D Reynolds & D Dimbleby, An Ocean Apart: the Relationship between Britain and America in the Twentieth Century (1988); C Bartlett, The Special Relationship: A Political History of Anglo-American Relations Since 1945 (1992); A Dobson, Anglo-American Relations in the Twentieth Century (1995); W R Louis & H Bull (Eds), The Special Relationship: Anglo-American Relations since 1945 (1984); R Ovendale, Anglo-American Relations in the Twentieth Century (1998); D Watt, Succeeding John Bull: America in Britain’s Place, 1900-75 (1984). A detailed reading list will be issued at the start of the course.

A three-hour written examination in the ST.