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When the 20th century opened, Britain dominated world affairs, and America stood on the sidelines. Now their positions are reversed. This is the story of how it happened.
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1988
This episode tells how the Americans were dragged reluctantly into the First World War, of their journey across the Atlantic, their welcome in Liverpool, and their disillusion when the war was over. For President Woodrow Wilson, victory had turned sour, but America had started its journey towards world leadership.
This episode examines the economic relations between England and the United States during the 1920s and discusses how free trade and mass production techniques after World War I changed British and U.S. manufacturing and created economic rivalry between the two countries.
This episode about the 1930s discusses how America is reluctant to enter World War II on Britain's side. Charles Lindbergh encourages U.S. neutrality in the war but Roosevelt decides to aid Britain.
America and Britain ally in World War II to defeat Nazi Germany. Clear U.S. dominance develops with the creation of the atom bomb.
In a reversal of roles, Britain becomes isolationist and the United States a superpower. Britain's dependence on the US becomes clear after the Suez crisis.
Britain cooperates with the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis but avoids involvement in Vietnam.
During the 1980s, the United States and Britain form an alliance against the Soviet Union.
David Dimbleby
