How Did The British Empire Affect Society

During its peak years, the British Empire was one of the largest empires that the world had ever witnessed. Its sheer power and influence was known to shape the world in many ways and has left a lasting impact in many of its former colonies that included the likes of India, America and Hong Kong (Denman 1996). For most parts, it cannot be denied that the British Empire played a vital part in making history as it aims to play a leading role in shaping the modern day society. The integration of British culture and philosophy in many of the Commonwealth countries around the globe shows that the once great empire has influenced and shaped the world as we see today. Therefore, what approach did the British Empire take in maintaining their status
This however faced an obstacle when Charles De Gaulle vetoed Macmillan’s application in 1963. During that time, De Gaulle felt that if Britain joined the EEC, it would affect France’s domination of the organisation and have an impact in Europe as well (George 1992). At the same time, Britain was backed by America in joining the EEC. To further explain this; Britain felt that if they joined the EEC and were able to trade with America at the same time; then they would be able to increase economic growth and be a world power status once again (George 1992). By that time, imperial preference with the Commonwealth had ended and Britain needed to seek out other alternatives in ensuring that they had other trading partners at hand. With the backing of America, Kennedy had envisioned that America were able to gain political and economic security and allow this to develop when Britain joined the EEC. America also wished for Britain to join the EEC to minimise the likelihood of another major war breaking out in Europe (Wilkes 1997). On the other hand, Britain also felt that by closer integration within Europe, they would be able to work intimately with other major European countries such as West Germany and France. Closer links within Europe would also provide added security for Britain, especially with the ongoing threats from the USSR and the East at that time (Denman 1996). In
For instance, when Harold Wilson applied to join the EEC in 1967, he felt that economic growth and trade with the EFTA countries were developing at a slower pace than initially planned (George 1992). De Gaulle found that by allowing Britain to join the EEC, it would not benefit France and the other member nations and he stated that Britain’s entry would change the nature of the EEC and cause it to become more of a free trade area (Young 1993). Wilson then took the opportunity to reapply again for the second time on the 11th May 1967. It was looking more positive for Britain’s application at that time, as the other members of the EEC felt more receptive towards Britain’s entry into the EEC (Denman 1996). Wilson further pushed for full membership to be granted but De Gaulle was more in favour of Britain becoming an associate member. After De Gaulle’s fall from power in 1969, it opened a door of opportunity for Britain to apply and join the EEC but there were still some issues to be negotiated. When Edward Heath became Prime Minister in 1970, he was set on making another application and he felt that being a committed pro-European it would greatly boost Britain’s chances in gaining membership (George 1994). Heath strongly believes that by joining the EEC, it would bring prosperity to the country in many ways. As quoted by Heath,