Famous quote by Dean Acheson

"Great Britain has lost an empire and has not yet found a role"

About this Quote

The quote "Great Britain has lost an empire and has actually not yet found a role" by Dean Acheson, spoken in 1962, records a pivotal moment in British history during the post-World War II era. Acheson, a former U.S. Secretary of State, succinctly summed up the existential crisis faced by the United Kingdom following the decline of its empire.

At its core, this quote deals with the profound change and identity crisis that Britain dealt with as its large empire disintegrated. For centuries, Britain's international supremacy had actually specified both its national identity and its put on the world stage. The empire had actually been the bedrock of Britain's economic power, political influence, and cultural prestige. However, by the mid-20th century, the process of decolonization sped up, sustained by rising nationalist movements within colonies and changing global mindsets towards imperialism. This left Britain with the task of redefining its nationwide identity in a rapidly changing world.

The "lost an empire" part of the quote refers to the irreversible end of British imperial hegemony. Countries in Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean were acquiring independence, changing the geopolitical landscape significantly. This loss required a reevaluation of Britain's diplomacy, financial strategy, and worldwide relationships.

The "has not yet found a function" section highlights the uncertainty and battle to adjust to a new global position. Britain needed to browse a post-imperial identity and find a meaningful function in global affairs without the power and eminence of an empire. This included recalibrating its relationship with emerging superpowers like the United States and the Soviet Union, and ultimately, looking for closer ties with European nations, culminating in its initial subscription and later complicated relationship with the European Union.

In conclusion, Acheson's quote speaks with the difficulties of nationwide reinvention and the look for significance in a brand-new world order. It underscores the necessity for Britain to redefine its global function, a theme that resonates with its ongoing political and cultural advancement.

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USA Flag This quote is written / told by Dean Acheson between April 11, 1893 and October 12, 1971. He/she was a famous Statesman from USA. The author also have 18 other quotes.
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