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15 Cards in this Set
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Concert of Europe |
Established in 1815: Idea that the great European powers would cooperate through collective action to ensure peace in Europe protected. Good for Britain because: A) Throughout 19th century direct link between order in Europe and protection and expansion of British empire. B) A strategically and diplomatically stable Europe allowed Britain to retain status as regional, continental and imperial power. Emphasises Britain's desire to maintain BoP which is exemplified in fact they were only involved in one European war = Crimean War (1854-6) |
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The Second Anglo-Chinese War |
Events took place over 1856-1860. 1856, Arrow seized by Chinese, crew accused of piracy. British consul in Canton demanded ships release and official apology - China refused. Palmerston then supported decision to bomb Canton. With French support, British troops went on to seize Peking 1860 which led to Chinese defeat. Good for Britain because: A) Expansion of trade with China as more Chinese ports opened up to international trade, they also gained guaranteed access to Chinese interior B) Palmerston protected British interests - British international prestige was enhanced. Emphasises Britain's more aggressive style? Aid to trade and international prestige.
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Italian Unification |
Events took place over 1859-60. Palmerston regarded Italian nationalists and liberals as block to radical groups which could threaten British commercial and strategic interests in the Mediterranean. Also saw Austrian presence in Italy as restraining influence against French expansionism (BoP) However, Palmerston backed the Piedmentese when they invaded Austrian territory in North Italy. In 1860, Garibaldi invaded Sicily and British navy helped him to reach Sicily but also Naples. This was a vital step in the creation of independent sovereign state of Italy. Palmerston's priority was to support Italian unification to enable Austria to consolidate position without Italy being additional burden. Good for Britain because: A) French influence in Italy limited as Britain basked in support of grateful Italy. B) Trade with Italy increased Emphasises Palmerston's commitment to preserving BoP. |
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The Franco- Prussian War |
Events occurred between 1870-71. Gladstone's inaction in this is commitment to non-interventionism but made absolutely no contribution to preserving BoP. Redirection of policy - Britain allowing Germany to emerge as focal point of European diplomacy, became a replacement of France but posed more of a threat to BoP as they were powerful and ambitious to become stronger. Prussia's victory over France caused serious external crisis for Britain in terms of BoP transforming. Yet Gladstone took no action other than securing commitment from Prussia and France to respect Belgian neutrality. Entirely bad for Britain because: A) It ruined the BoP!! |
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Revocation of the Black Sea Clauses of the Treaty of Paris |
Treaty of Paris, which ended Crimean War, banned Russia from maintaining naval fleet on the Black Sea. Potential danger of Russian fleet in Black Sea - major reason for British involvement in the war. Gladstone convened Great Power Conference - avoided war but abandoned policy of containment of Russia. Against stopping Russian Expansionism + BoP as they allowed Russia too much power. Threat to trade even? |
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The Suez Canal Shares |
This occurred in 1875. Disreali began Britain's involvement in Egypt through purchase of shares in the Suez Canal. Secretly used £4 million loan from Rothschild family to purchase 44% share in canal. Decision of vital importance in the development of British influence in Africa and essential to development in protection of trade route to India. Good for Britain because: A) Canal vital to British interests, not only in Mediterranean but also in India and Far East. Emphasises the importance of expansion of trade. |
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The Afghan Wars |
Occurred in 1878 and 1879. Afghanistan seen as route Russia may have used to threaten India therefore by controlling Afghanistan, Britain could strengthen Indian security. Decision to install a pro-British ruler in Afghanistan proved disastrous. British troops involved in two futile campaigns which humiliated Britain. Bad for Britain because: A) It weakened international prestige. |
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The Zulu War |
Occurred in 1878. Equally humiliating defeat experienced by Britain at hand of Zulu's during Battle of Islandlwana. This occurred as Sir Bartle Frere took initiative that went seriously wrong - emphasises Disreali was often a victim of the recklessness of others. |
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'The Eastern Question' |
This occurred from 1875-8. Decaying Turkish Empire appeared to open up opportunities for Russian expansionism southwards. Disreali felt that this would threaten Suez Canal and security of route for Indian and British commerce. When Russia threatened Constantinople, Disreali moved troops from India to Malta - put soldiers in state of war readiness. Congress of Berlin in 1878 was triumph for Direali's approach Good for Britain because: A) Russia forced to abandon many of its gains B) Britain's position in Mediterranean strengthened through acquisition of Cyprus. Emphasises their dedication to stopping Russian Expansionism and BoP. Also shows their support for constitutional states. |
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The First Boer War |
This occurred between 1880-1. Dutch Boer settlers of the Transvaal demanded independence from British rule and government worried this might become general armed revolt. In 1881, a British force was destroyed at Battle of Majuba Hill and true to his anti-imperialist stance, Gladstone convened Pretoria Convention (Transvaal granted internal self-government, but Britain retained control over their foreign policy.) Good for Britain because: A) Gladstone clearly willing to assume responsibility without having real formal control over Transvaal. B) Good for expansion of trade and empire? |
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Events in Egypt |
Events occurred in 1882. Egypt part of Turksih Empire when nationalist revolts erupted in 1882. Gladstone recognised intervention necessary in order to protect British financial investment in Egypt and Suez Canal zone protected. Wanted a joint Anglo-French invasion force to intervene and restore stability (consistent with concept of international cooperation) Strategy failed and purely British force carried out action. Gladstone anticipated short occupation but they remained until 1922. Good for Britain because: A) Expanded empire and took hugely significant steps in protecting security of Suez Canal and route to India. B) Promoted economic opportunities for British manufacturers - Egypt produced cotton which Britain anxious to exploit. Emphasises commitment to development of trade and expansion of empire. |
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Events in the Sudan |
Events occurred between 1883 - 85. Sudan was British possession - Rebellion led by the Mahdi erupted and in 1883 followers destroyed British-led Egyptian force sent to end rebellion. Gladstone sent in General Gordon to Sudan with orders only to evacuate British and Egyptian nationals but Gordon instead installed himself in Khartoum awaiting relief and to establish British control of Sudan. Gladstone delayed making final decision and Gordon's force was slaughtered Bad for Britain because: A) Gladstone condemned by politicians and public. B) International support was weakened? |
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Mediterranean Agreements |
Occurred in 1887. Salisbury made two secret agreements. First with Italy as they were resentful of France's takeover of Tunis in 1881 - This agreement agreed to prevent French growth in North Africa. Second agreement included Austria, designed to protect status quo in Balkans and Straits. Primarily an anti-Russian agreement. Good for Britain because: A) It preserved the BoP as France remained limited to agreed size and status. B) Stopped expansion of Russia. |
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Two Power Standard |
Belief that Britain's fleet was to be as large as combined fleets of its two main rivals. Good for Britain because: A) Maintained BoP |
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Events in the Balkans |
Events occurred in 1895. Traditional anti-russian position compromised by Salisbury from 1895 - Turkish massacres of Armenians living in Eastern Turkey created crisis which the Russians could've exploited. Austria demanded Britain make a binding commitment to defend Constantinople against Russian aggression which was consistent to 1887 agreement. However, binding commitment was against Salisbury's isolated policy. Therefore Britain's links with the Triple Alliance were severed. Bad for Britain because: A) Against BoP - Britain no longer had a support basis, Britain's isolation from European diplomacy deepened. B) Oddly also against fear of Russia and defence of constitutional state. |
