A Question of Principle ? : John F. Kennedy’s Relations with France and Britain Re-examined

Abstract

The policies of John F. Kennedy have been assessed by historians chiefly as evidence of his “idealism” or “pragmatism”, ignoring the fundamental role of American nationalism in Kennedy’s ideas. A firm believer in the American national myth, this belief underpinned the key policy choices of his administration. This work re-examines Kennedy’s relations with key Cold-War allies Britain and France, focusing on his attempts to stop their respective nuclear weapons programs. By returning to the public documents of the administration with fresh questions and sensitivity for the symbols of American nationalism, in, this work demonstrates that nationalism is a key factor in explaining Kennedy’s ideas and actions.