Aspects Of British German Relations

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, fundamental differences in values and policy can be discerned in British-German relations. For historical, political, and economic reasons, the collective memories of both nations have retained very different identities and attitudes towards each other and towards the European continent and European integration. Yet, Britain is one of the most significant European partners for Germany and Germany is of great importance for Britains role in Europe. This book focuses on the influence of European integration on the policies of Britain and Germany towards each other. It considers British-German relations in the context of European integration in their historical dimensions since 1945. Britains ambiguous policy towards the GDR and Mrs Thatchers opposition to German unification are also discussed. In particular, the book focuses on the post-1990 relationship and examines the political, security related, economic and financial as well as the social aspects of the dynamic British-German relations in an ever more interdependent world. The influence of the US and France on both Germany and Britain and their European policies is therefore considered in detail. This book offers interesting and challenging insights into the evolution of British-German relations within the context of European integration in the post-Second World War and post-Unification era. The book argues that throughout the latter half of the twentieth century Britain and Germany can be characterised as uneasy allies. It is only since the late 1990s Britain and Germany appear to have become genuine partners in the context of European integration.

With the debate about Europe constantly in the headlines, this examination of the important and tricky post-war relationship between German and Britain compares their different roles, outlook and development. In the wake of a devastated continent, this relationship has been one of the central axes of the development of post-war Europe and crucial in terms of recent British history. Sabine Lee considers broad issues such as the comparative senses of national identity, destiny and direction, and the respective roles of Germany and Britain in Europe and in the world community at large. With Germany now reunited and at the head of the new Europe, and Britain in the process of devolution and struggling to retain the special relationship with the United States, this is an important and topical book.

Offering first major study of the views of the Conservative Party towards the key aspects of Anglo-German relations from 1905 to 1914, it examines the Conservative response to the German threat, and argues that it showed a marked absence of open hostility towards Germany.

The “Prince Albert Society” aims to further Anglo-German relations in academic, cultural and political spheres. The annual conferences are held under this premise and centre around specific issues, although they concentrate mainly on historical themes. Contributions made at these conferences are published in the Prince Albert Studies and clarify many interesting aspects of Anglo-German relations.

This work presents the transcript of a memorandum to British Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey by Sir Eyre Crowe about the growing threat of Imperial Germany to the United Kingdom. It explained that a stronger British strategy was required towards Berlin in light of Imperial Germany's increasingly invasive geostrategic approach.