Final answer:
In 1946, tensions between the U.S. and Great Britain were influenced by the beginning stages of the Cold War, Britain's financial strains during World War II, and the Bretton Woods Conference where U.S. dominance began to overshadow British interests, leading to a complex and sometimes strained alliance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1946, the tensions between the U.S. and Great Britain were influenced by the broader context of the emerging Cold War. While not directly antagonistic, the diverging interests and approaches to the post-war world order strained the once united front against Germany. One key moment in solidifying this tension was Winston Churchill's 'iron curtain' speech in Fulton, Missouri, which highlighted the ideological divide between the democratic West and the Communist East, indirectly challenging the UK's relationship with the Soviet Union.
Furthermore, the financial strain on Britain during World War II had compelled them to rely heavily on American support through policies like 'cash and carry' and the controversial destroyers for bases agreement. The post-war period saw the U.S. asserting more economic and political dominance, as exemplified during the Bretton Woods Conference, which placed the U.S. in a more commanding position in international finance, potentially to the detriment of British interests. Additionally, the specific political and social landscapes of each country, including the varied sentiments among ethnic groups within the U.S. towards Britain and their allies, contributed to the wartime and post-war tension.