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Summary A* Essay - decolonisation British empire .
A* level essay - suez crisis, EEC, nationalism
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The break-up of the British Empire in the years 1945 to 1967 was the result of changed internationalcircumstances. - Assess validity of this view.
Argument: Irreversible economic decline from the world wars was the main cause of the breakup of the
empire.
Introduction: Irreversible economic decline from the world wars was the main cause of the breakup of
the empire.
Paragraph 1: Economic factors.
• The world wars were very significant as a turning point for Britain as an economic power, no longer a
dominating world power.
• E.g. Due to WWII, Britain lost 11.7 million tonnes of shipping and was forced to sell 1/3rd of its
overseas assets to help to repay its debts which was significant because it led to a contraction of the
‘informal’ trading empire which had been an important aspect of the empire before WW1
subsequently reducing the amount of influence that Britain had around the world. Loss of colonies in
South East Asia such as Singapore to Japan was a major blow to British economic power as staple
British industries such as textiles were now losing ground to Japanese competition. This key loss of
revenue meant Britain had less ability to maintain empire.
• Britain was forced to accept $3.3 billion worth of Marshall Plan aid from the USA after WWII - no
longer self-sufficient and lead to decolonisation across the Empire.
• The European Economic Community was a symbolic turning point for decolonisation as it showed
Europe’s trading capacity compared to empire’s - the EEC was an economic union 1957 between six
European countries including W.Germany, France and Italy, creating a single market. Britain’s desire
for joining involved a cocktail of economic and political motivations due to wanting to achieve the
sustained and rapid econ growth enjoyed by most of EEC, particularly W.Germany and Italy; there was
also concerns about long term political exclusion and marginalization as Britain had already been hard
hit by the disappearance of empire and Macmillan’s govt was not willing to stand idly whilst global
players grew next door. However, Britain’s membership was vetoed twice in 1963 and 1967 (by
Charles De Gaule) and was only allowed to join in 1973 - highlighting how weak Britian’s imperial
position was. Not only did it prove to Britain, trade lied within Europe rather than empire, it displayed
Britain’s new and weak economic status.
EVAL: However, Britain’s economic status was not in total decline - in 1959, Britain took the lead and
formed the European Free Trade Association as an alternative to EEC (although, this was far less
successful). Also, Cyprus (colony since 1878) is an example of British success in maintaining a colony as
they were able to financially deploy military. By 1954, many Greek Cypriots, who wanted union with
Greece, waged a terrorist campaign resulting in 2000 deaths. In retaliation, Br sent 25,000 troops to
maintain order and the Greek Cypriots announced a truce. Cyprus was economically beneficial to
empire as it acted as an alternative base in the Middle East - therefore, Britain did manage to
successfully hold onto certain profitable and valuable parts of empire.
Economic difficulties predominantly led to decolonisation as Britain was unable to defend/maintain
empire.
Paragraph 2: International Circumstances Paragraph 3: Nationalist movements.
Britain was no longer the economic superpower it • WWII boosted the confidence of nationalist
had once been as it was now in massive debts and movements who believed they were ready to run
eclipsed by the USA and USSR and therefore was their countries independently. - Macmillan Winds
often swayed with empire. of Change speech stated that growth of 'national
• The beginning of the Cold War saw a clash consciousness is a political fact'.
between ideologies and imperialism was seen as • Britain was often forced into making
out-dated, leading to Br having to refine its concessions to the nationalists - leading to
imperial position. independence.
• Both the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation •the Indian Congress called for independence, the
(1949) and the South East Asia Treaty ‘Quit India’ campaign disrupted the WW2 effort
Organisation (1954) were American led showing by sabotaging railways, cutting telephone lines
how Britain was longer the world dominator and and attacking government buildings and the
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