Why did the US and Britain continue to work together in the 1970s despite disagreement?
They continued to share the foreign policy objective of holding back communism.
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What was Britain's relationship with the USSR at the beginning of the 1970s?
The context of the ongoing Cold War meant that relations between Britain and the USSR had been based on suspicion, bordering on hostility, as with the USSR and the US.
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Who were the most powerful Communist nations in the world in the 1970s?
The USSR and China.
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What was one of the reasons for Britain improving its relations with the USSR in the 1970s?
Because the US did.
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What was called for with the USSR?
A detente. After the tension of the CMC, successive presidents of the US and the USSR tried to prevent such a situation recurring by establishing direct contact. This led to meetings and agreement to limit build up of arms.
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What does detente mean?
The easing of hostility or strained relations, especially between countries.
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After a detente was declared, why were there still tensions?
An underlying tension remained as there were fears of the USSR's influence in Eastern Europe. This was demonstrated by the Georgi Markov affair/
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What was the Georgi Markov affair?
Markov was a Bulgarian who defected to the West 1969 and was outspoken in his criticism of the Bulgarian Communist regime. He was assassinated in London in 1978 by a poisonous pellet from an umbrella. The KGB were suspected but it was never proven.
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What rumours were there as to who was a KGB agent?
Senior Labour and trade union leaders, including Harold Wilson himself.
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In the early 1970s, who did China have strained relations with?
The US, Britain and Western Europe.
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What triggered the change in relations with China?
When in July 1971 Nixon surprisingly announced a thawing of relations followed by a visit to China in February 1972 where he held meetings with Chinese leader, Mao Zedong.
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When did Britain agree an exchange of ambassadors with China?
March 1972.
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What was Heath's relationship with China like?
He made many visits to China from 1974 onwards, and was awarded the title of "people's Friendship Envoy', the highest possible honour given to a foreigner by the Chinese governmnet.
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Who did Heath receive a warm welcome from in China?
Two giant pandas - he was allowed to bring them back to a British zoo.
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What allowed Britain's relationship with the China to further flourish?
The death of Mao in 1976. Trade links and cultural ties developed as the regime became far more amenable to Britain.
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What took place in October 1979?
The Premier Hua Goofed visited Britain as part of a European tour - first leader to visit since Communist revolution in 1949. It had supported Vietnam and Korea causing tension with Western world.
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Why did Britain have strained relations with China?
Because the anti-western Cultural evolution was in full swing and Mao saw it as a way to win back Hong Kong. Chinese agents fomented terrorism within Hong Kong which saw 5 policemen killed.
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What took place in 1967?
The British embassy in Beijing was broken into and set on fire, and its staff physically assaulted. In London, scores of staff members from Chinese embassy in Portland Place armed with sticks and machetes threatened police.
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Why were Chinese embassy members safe from arrest?
Because of their diplomatic immunity.
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Who was the first major British politician to visit the PRC?
Heath, after leaving office.
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Give 2 other reasons for Britain's improved relations with China.
US's abandonment for support of Taiwan and the recognition of the PRC as the legitimate government for all of China after Nixon's visit.
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Why did Britain view the USSR as suspect?
Due to the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 - clear the USSR wanted to maintain a grip on satellite states.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
What was Britain's relationship with the USSR at the beginning of the 1970s?
Back
The context of the ongoing Cold War meant that relations between Britain and the USSR had been based on suspicion, bordering on hostility, as with the USSR and the US.
Card 3
Front
Who were the most powerful Communist nations in the world in the 1970s?
Back
Card 4
Front
What was one of the reasons for Britain improving its relations with the USSR in the 1970s?
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