How did the United States and Great Britain become friends?
The United States and Great Britain have a complex history, but they eventually developed a strong friendship over time. To understand how this friendship evolved, we need to delve into a bit of history.
1. Independence: The United States initially sought independence from Britain due to growing political and economic differences. The American Revolutionary War, fought from 1775 to 1783, resulted in the United States successfully gaining independence.
2. Treaty of Paris (1783): The Treaty of Paris officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the United States as a sovereign nation. Although tensions remained high, this treaty laid the foundation for future relations between the two countries.
3. War of 1812: Despite achieving independence, conflict between the US and Britain persisted. The War of 1812 was fought primarily between these two nations, and it ended inconclusively in 1814 with the signing of the Treaty of Ghent. However, it marked a turning point in their relationship as it signaled the beginning of improved diplomatic ties.
4. Shared Values and Interests: Over time, a shared commitment to democratic values and mutual interests brought the United States and Great Britain closer together. This included promoting global peace, trade, and the rule of law.
5. World Wars: The two World Wars played a significant role in fostering friendship between the US and Britain. During these conflicts, the two countries found themselves fighting alongside each other against common enemies, strengthening their bond.
6. Cultural and Language Ties: The US and Britain share cultural and language ties, which have helped forge a sense of familiarity and understanding. English being the primary language in both countries facilitates communication and cultural exchange.
7. Diplomatic Cooperation: Throughout the 20th century, the US and Britain cooperated closely on various diplomatic fronts, such as establishing international institutions like the United Nations, NATO, and the World Trade Organization.
8. Special Relationship: The term "special relationship" has often been used to describe the close alliance between the US and Britain. It acknowledges the unique bond they share, characterized by shared history, values, and close cooperation in various areas, including defense, intelligence, and trade.
In summary, the United States and Great Britain became friends through a combination of historical events, shared values, cultural ties, and diplomatic cooperation. Their relationship has evolved over centuries, driven by mutual interests and a common commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and prosperity.