Whose ‘Turn to Europe’? The UK, Australia and space research at Woomera, 1964-1971
| Dates: | 2 June 2015 |
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| Times: | 13:00 - 14:00 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | Faculty of Life Sciences |
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| Speaker: | Stuart Butler |
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This seminar is part of the lunchtime seminar series for the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine (CHSTM). Lunchtime seminars are typically no more than 30 minutes in length, followed by a period for audience questions (ending before 2pm). All are welcome.
Whose ‘Turn to Europe’? The UK, Australia and space research at Woomera, 1964-1971
Stuart Butler (University of Manchester)
Abstract:
UK foreign relations in the early post-war have often been classified as belonging to three circles (Anglo-American, Anglo-European, and Anglo-Commonwealth). The decision to apply for membership of the European Communities in 1960 was the start, according to many historians, of the UKs ‘turn to Europe’; an abandonment of Anglo-Commonwealth relations in favour of accession to Europe. This paper will analyse these claims through the lens of close Anglo-Australian collaboration in space research at the Weapons Range Establishment at Woomera.
With the establishment of the European Launcher Development Organisation, Australia became a member of a European organisation. Throughout 1964-73 ELDO would be replaced with the European Space Agency, and the UK would become a member of the European Community. Through an analysis of UK and Australian archive material, this paper will suggest that, whilst the UK certainly came to disregard the importance of Anglo-Australian relations, it was Australia, more than the UK, which undertook a ‘turn to Europe’ in this period.
Speaker
Stuart Butler
Organisation: CHSTM, University of Manchester
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
2.57
Simon Building
Manchester
