United Europe Final Essay

BRITAIN IS AMERICA’S “TROJAN HORSE” IN EUROPE

Victoria Steele 0707097

EURO*1050

November 13, 2014

Britain Is America’s “Trojan Horse” In Europe

The notion that Britain is America’s puppet is based on the close relationship between the two countries and an observation made by a French president, Charles de Gaulle. Specifically, the leader referred to the UK America’s Trojan horse. Meaning, America uses Britain to promote its own agenda in Europe; gaining more political influence. However, there is evidence that suggests that Britain makes independent decisions despite having a close relationship with the United States. In this respect, it is necessary to establish the validity of the claims; analyzing historical texts that document the British-American relationship can do this.

Beginning of the Relationship

The alliance between the United States and Britain started during the First World War. As the war progressed, German aggression toward the United States escalated. For example, the German navy sank the passenger ship, RMS Lusitania, which was ferrying Americans – a case of obvious violation of international law.[1] Such actions prompted the US to join the war, hence tipping the scale in favor of the allied forces. Since then, the US has endeavored to maintain a close relationship with Britain. This does not mean that the two nations never disagree. For instance, for a considerable time, after WWI and before WWII, the two nations feuded over economic matters, particularly at the height of the Great Depression. In this case, the US implemented policies that restricted imports into the country at the expense of Britain. In reference to that, the UK’s attempt to iron out the differences between the nations through the London Economic Summit failed after the US refused to change its policy.[2]

The association between the two nations strengthened during the WWII and the period after. Besides joining the War to support Britain and its...