Full Answer Section

From Competition to Cooperation:

Prior to 1870, the US and Britain had a more competitive relationship. The US, still wary of European dominance, pursued an isolationist foreign policy and occasionally challenged British interests in the Americas. However, by the late 19th century, shared concerns about German expansion and the rise of new global powers like Japan began to draw them closer.

Churchill and the Cultivation of a Special Bond:

World War I further solidified this nascent partnership. Winston Churchill, a key figure in British politics, became a strong advocate for a closer Anglo-American relationship. He recognized the vast industrial and manpower resources the US possessed and believed they were crucial to victory against Germany. His wartime speeches emphasized the “special relationship” based on shared language, heritage, and democratic values. While the US initially remained neutral, Churchill’s relentless diplomacy and Germany’s unrestricted submarine warfare ultimately drew the US into the war in 1917.

Cooperation Through Crises:

The period between WWI and WWII witnessed continued cooperation, exemplified by the Lend-Lease Act of 1941. As Nazi Germany threatened Britain’s survival, the US, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, enacted this program to provide vital military supplies to Britain despite not being a formal belligerent. This act highlighted the deepening US commitment to British security, a sentiment echoed by Churchill.

Shared Sacrifice and the Forged Alliance:

The attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and Japan’s subsequent invasion of Southeast Asia solidified the alliance. The US formally entered World War II, fighting alongside Britain against a common enemy. The immense sacrifices made together cemented the “special relationship.” The successful prosecution of the war under the leadership of Churchill and Roosevelt further strengthened the bond.

Beyond WWII: A New Era in the Special Relationship

Following World War II, the US emerged as a global superpower, while the British Empire began its decline. However, the “special relationship” endured. The Marshall Plan, a US-led initiative to rebuild war-torn Europe, including Britain, exemplified this continued cooperation.

Conclusion:

The “special relationship” between the US and the UK after 1870 evolved from initial competition to a strong alliance forged in the crucible of war. Leaders like Winston Churchill played a pivotal role in cultivating this bond, emphasizing shared values and interests. The 20th century, particularly World Wars I and II, solidified this partnership, laying the foundation for a close, albeit evolving, relationship that continues to shape global politics today.