Why Did the US and UK Become Allies Only When the UK Was Weaker?

The relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom has a complex history marked by both conflict and cooperation. The Colonial Wars of the 18th century left a bitter taste for a long time, but things began to improve just before the 20th century. This article explores the historical context and the geopolitical shifts that led to the U.S. and UK becoming close allies when the UK was weaker than the USA, and why such an alliance was not formed earlier when the USA was weaker.

The Colonial Wars and Initial Relations

The War of Independence marked the beginning of a bitter relationship between the two nations that lasted for many decades. Unlike today, the USA and the UK did not see each other as allies or even friends during this period. The British Empire was seen as a powerful and formidable force, and the newly formed USA was keen to establish its independence and prove its strength. This period of conflict laid the groundwork for the evolving relationship between the two nations.

The Rise of the USA and Its Strategic Interests

The early to mid-19th century saw the USA following the UK's lead, from cultural influences to military and economic policies. The U.S. military and navy drew heavily from British designs and models, incorporating a mix of French and British traditions to form its own unique identity. The USA’s constitutional government was a complex blend of various European models, with the British monarchy serving as a significant inspiration. Even today, elements of the British Crown are seen in the U.S. governmental structure.

The Great Depression and the Decline of British Power

The rise of the USA as a global power coincided with a significant weakening of the UK. The Great Depression played a crucial role in this shift. The U.S. government, under President Hoover and later Roosevelt, deliberately took steps to weaken the UK's influence. Economic policies, such as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, were designed to exacerbate the distress in the UK and other Allied nations. The economic instability in the UK led to a decline in its global influence and military power, ultimately paving the way for a closer alliance with the USA.

The Rise of Regional Threats and Global Alliances

As the 20th century progressed, regional powers such as Germany and Japan emerged as significant threats to global peace and stability. The USA recognized the danger these empires posed and sought to counterbalance their influence. The UK, while still a powerful nation, was no match for the combined military and economic power of the USA. The USA played a crucial role in the formation of the League of Nations and later, the United Nations. The UK, despite its historical prominence, struggled to maintain its global leadership, leading to closer cooperation with the USA during key moments of global conflict.

The World Wars and the Consolidation of Alliances

The two World Wars marked significant turning points in the relationship between the USA and the UK. During the World War I, the USA provided significant military support to the UK, albeit initially as a late participant. The USA trained its soldiers to British and French standards, and the U.S. navy worked closely with the British. After the war, the USA played a critical role in the formation of the League of Nations, ensuring that the UK's influence was not diminished.

During World War II, the USA and the UK formed a powerful alliance, primarily because the UK was in a much weaker position. The USA provided significant economic and military support to the UK, culminating in the Lend-Lease Act of 1941, which allowed the USA to supply the UK with much-needed resources. The war strengthened the alliance between the two countries, leading to their close cooperation in the post-war period.

In conclusion, the relationship between the USA and the UK has evolved over centuries, with the alliance only solidifying when the UK was in a weaker position. This historical context underscores the importance of understanding the geopolitical dynamics that drive international alliances and the role of economic and military power in shaping these relationships.