TWILIGHT OF THE SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT AND DIED IN THE BRITISH ARMED FORCES 1914-1921

Description

The phrase ‘Special Relationship’, used to describe the links between Great Britain and the United States, has become a term of convenience introduced whenever politicians on either side of the Atlantic are seeking support for some foreign policy initiative. However, before the First World War it meant so much more, encompassing the unique links of heritage, culture and language which bound the two countries together. The concept acquired its greatest relevance during the War as a desperate Great Britain sought to induce a reluctant United States to join the struggle against Germany. Although America did not join the conflict until April 1917 hundreds of her citizens crossed the ocean to join a branch of the British armed forces. Ironically, at the moment of triumph the ‘the Special Relationship’ began to weaken as America acquired the status of world power and Britain declined.