Churchill, America and Vietnam, 1941-45

by Smith, T.O.

• ISBN13: 9780230298200
• ISBN10: 0230298206
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-12-15
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

Churchill, America and Vietnam 1941-1945offers a nuanced analysis of British policy towards the post-war structure of the European colonial empires. By ample, carefully deployed evidence, the book concludes, that Churchill was willing to sacrifice French colonial interests in Vietnam for the sake of his all-important 'special relationship' with America. This reveals not only a clear sense of Churchill's wartime priorities, but also fresh and original insights into the inconsistencies sometimes apparent in the Prime Minister's position for example as a staunch defender of imperialism. There are also numerous illustrations of the personality and character, not only of Churchill, but also of Roosevelt and other leading figures. In effect, this book represents a fusion of British imperial and diplomatic history, and it emphasises how important they are to one another, by using the often-neglected case study of Britain's involvement with Vietnam.

Author Biography

T.O. SMITH is an Associate Professor in the Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University, USA. He is the author of Britain and the Origins of the Vietnam War: UK Policy Towards Indo-China 1943-50 (2007), he is also a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
Map of Southeast Asia
Introduction
Churchill's Conundrum
Churchill's Conceit
Churchill's Isolation
Churchill's Realignment
Trusteeship's Denouement
Epilogue
Conclusion
Select Chronology
Select Personalia
Bibliography
Index