ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the roles of identity and memory in the historical evolution of the Anglo-American special relationship. In order to fully appreciate how mid-century leaders such as Winston Churchill were able to manipulate the Anglo-American civilizational identity, it is essential to first understand its key components, all of which were demonstrated publicly and heartily as Americans celebrated their victory in First World War. For Churchill, however, throughout the rest of his long career in British politics, the idea that America and Britain were natural allies bound together by language, history, and culture would grow to become one of his dominant themes. The American debate over intervention was not only beginning to shift in favour of the British, but it was also echoing the specific themes Churchill and the Ministry of Information had worked to imbed in their media campaign. The Lend–Lease Act was signed into law, and an unprecedented amount of American money and supplies began flowing to Britain.
