You may remember that the United States and Great Britain had a minor spat in 1776, which shall we say, did not put them on the friendliest of terms. In 1812, while Britain was focused on its war with France, the same country decided to take advantage of the situation and declare war on the United States.
The 1820's saw the Aroostock War and border disputes between Maine and Canada. There was also the Pig's Ear War and whilst 54' 40 or fight didn't result in anything major, it is reasonable to say that the USA and the UK were not on particularly great terms. Moreover, during the American Civil War, the UK came close to recognizing the Confederate States of America.
And yet, by the time the USA needed to demarcate its Alaskan boundaries in 1900, the UK was a good friend. By WWI, the USA were supporting its English ally even over against the Germans, who arguably had populations that were almost as big. And, certainly by WWII, there was a special relationship that finally helped tipped the balance.
So, given this history between the USA and UK, here's the simple question. How did the US and the UK become such good friends? Obviously there's the historical connection, but overcoming the animosity of having to fight for your independence (and the stain of having lost its colony) has to hurt.
