Abstract

Abstract The historiography of Hispano-United States relations during the Cold War has been dominated for the past thirty years by studies of the latter's negotiations for, and signing of, base agreements with Spain in September 1953. In the post-Cold War era, the significance of the 1953 agreements lies as much in the light that they cast on Spain's role in the global rivalry between Western powers, and shifting power patterns, as in the impact these had on Spain itself. Striking differences in attitude of the United States and Britain towards Spain illuminate their changing roles in the Western Mediterranean, as the gateway to the Middle East to which the Straits of Gibraltar were the key. The question of the western Mediterranean was always closely bound to Spain's Iberian neighbours, Gibraltar and Portugal. The Rock of Gibraltar was the fortress which had long ensured Britain's access to the Mediterranean. Aside from its celebrated rich resources of mercury, copper, and other minerals, the Spanish potential for uranium bearing ores was also of interest to other countries.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call