to be fair, the british economy was in the shitter. they were bankrupt and decolonization was underway. the british quit india, left palestine for it to become israel, fought the malayan emergency, and were still dealing with their african colonies up until the 1960's.  you had no choice but seek closer ties to the friendly superpower at your door than the hostile one that you guys technically are in proximity.  you guys still have some manufacturing like aerospace.
United States