'Your neighbour has flown': The Cambridge Spy Ring
Course Code: HBH58
Duration: 1 session
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What is the course about?
We will evaluate the Cambridge Spy Ring and its significance for understanding the relationship between Britain, the USA and the USSR during the Cold War. We will consider the USSR’s recruitment strategies in the 1930s; the British spies’ espionage activities; Macmillan’s ill-advised statement on Philby’s ‘innocence’; Maclean, Burgess and Philby’s defections to the USSR; the impact of the mysterious ‘Fifth Man’ controversy on British intelligence services; and the impact of the exposure of the spy ring on British-US intelligence relations.
What will we cover?
• The Cold War context
• Soviet recruitment
• Espionage activities
• Exposure as spies & political reactions
• Defections to the USSR
• Impact on US-British intelligence relations
• Impact on the British intelligence services.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Evaluate the significance of the Cambridge Spies for Britain’s political position during the Cold War
• Assess the types of espionage activities undertaken by the Cambridge Spies and their significance for Britain, the USA & USSR
• Explain the impact of the Cambridge Spies’ activities on British intelligence operations
• Evaluate the impact of espionage activities on British-US intelligence relations.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
• Evaluate the significance of the Cambridge Spies for Britain’s political position during the Cold War
• Assess the types of espionage activities undertaken by the Cambridge Spies and their significance for Britain, the USA & USSR
• Explain the impact of the Cambridge Spies’ activities on British intelligence operations
• Evaluate the impact of espionage activities on British-US intelligence relations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Through interactive class-based discussions and debates. You will be provided with reading resources and a book reading list, should you wish to further develop your knowledge.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. Please bring a pen and notebook/paper to class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Other courses in British and European history starting in September 2023. Please see the City Lit website.
