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28 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What was balance of power?
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When countries have fairly equal power rather than one having it all. No nation could get too powerful and therefore peace could be maintained.
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Who were the great powers at the beginning of the period?
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Britain, France, Russia, Austria, and sometimes Prussia.
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What did it mean that Britain was the workshop of the world?
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The people of Britain worked to become the leading industrial power.
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What was the liberal age?
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People became less dependant on religion. They looked for other ways to inform themselves on life and there as more economic freedom.
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Why was Britain so keen to maintain the Balance of power?
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They were worried Russia would take over, remove their rights, and plunge them into economic depression.
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What were the consequences of the Crimean War?
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Preventing the imminent collapse of the Ottoman Empire and it's possible dismemberment by Russia - this would have given Russia access to the Mediterranean and increased territory and influence in the Balkans.
1856 Treaty of Paris - Warships banned from the Black Sea which was a severe setback to Russian plans for power in the area. Russia also lost territory and influence in the Balkans. |
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What were the principles of British foreign policy?
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Protection of Britain's fundamental interests (Trade routes, free access through the Straits and preservation of Turkey)
Fear of Russia Balance of Power Splendid Isolation Support for Constitutional states Respect for international law and the rights of small nations. |
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What was free trade?
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Removal of trade restrictions between countries, which encouraged the exploitation of natural advantages
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What was arbitration?
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A process whereby a neutral referee imposes a decision on both parties in a dispute.
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During what years was Palmerston Prime Minister?
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1855-1865
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What were Palmerston's policies?
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Patriotism - focused on British interests
Not keen on reforms Often interfered unjustifiably in the affairs of other countries (meddle) Gunboat diplomacy Occasional incoherence in his actions (muddle) Promotion of British Commercial interests |
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What happened in the Italian Wars of Unification 1859 and 1861?
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Palmerston ensured Garibaldi's safe passage across the Straits to unify Italy and prevented Austria moving more troops into Italy.
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Why did Britain get involved in the Italian Wars of Unification?
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Balance of Power - France and Austria arguing who has control
Trade Routes - Small area in Marsala for wine (not as important) Support for Constitutional States - Britain would have a strategically placed ally in the Mediterranean |
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What happened in the Arrow affair of 1856-1860?
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The Chinese accused a pirate ship of being British. Britain demanded the release of ship and crew as an apology which he had little right to do. The crew was released without apology and Britain bombarded China. This was an attempt to force China to open their country to British goods and trade.
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How did Palmerston muddle with France?
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In 1859, Palmerston became convinced that Napolean still wanted to avenge Waterloo even though they had been allies in the Crimean war.
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What were the negative aspects of the British Empire?
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British customs forced on the natives and prevented people following their own faiths.
People in the colonies had no resistance to British diseases. Turned communities against each other through segregation (Muslims and Hindus in India) People in the colonies were killed if they rebelled. Economies were wrecked because of Britain's hold over raw materials. Many colonial soldiers died fighting for Britain. |
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What were the positive aspects of colonialism?
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Clean water and sanitation
British education system Built infrastructure Medical advances Improved agriculture |
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When was Gladstone in power?
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1868-1874,1880-1885, 1892-1894.
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What were Gladstone's policies based on?
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Peace not war.
Diplomacy and arbitration. Believed in self governing countries in the empire (Britain doesn't provide military support) Held conferences to try and maintain peace Favoured unpopularity over conflict Wanted to uphold his moral Christian Reputation |
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Why has it been argued that his policies weren't in Britain's best interests?
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Promoted the rights of small nations.
Rejected interventionism. |
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What did Gladstone do in the Franco-Prussian war 1870-71?
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Took no action beyond securing a commitment from Prussia and France to jointly respect Belgian neutrality.
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What happened with the Revocation of the Black Sea clauses 1871?
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Russia put a fleet on the Black Sea, violating the Treaty of Paris 1856. This had been the most important clause of the treaty but Gladstone revoked it. By doing this he prevented British obligation to go to war with Russia, however he failed to meet Britain's policy of containing expansionism.
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What did Gladstone do with the Alabama Award 1872?
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The USA wanted to claim compensation for damage done by the Alabama, a warship built be Britain for the South during the American civil war. Gladstone agreed to pay £3.25 million. This ensured Britain remained on good terms with America but many saw it as a blow to international British prestige.
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When was Disraeli prime minister?
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1874-1880
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What was Disraeli's attitude to war?
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He was the middle ground between Palmerston and Gladstone. He was prepared for war if necessary but wasn't a warmonger.
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When was Disraeli successful?
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Purchase of the Suez Canal Shares 1875 - Started Britain's involvement in Egypt. This turned out to be of vital importance for British influence in Africa and protection of trade routes in India.
The Royal Titles Act - strengthened links with India The Constantinople Conference 1876-77 - When Russia declared war on Turkey, Britain managed to avert a full scale European war by remaining neutral. The treaties of San Stefano and Berlin following the Russo-Turkish war. |
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When was Disraeli unsuccessful?
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The Bulgarian Horrors
The Zulu War 1878 The Afghan Wars 1878+79 |
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Why was Britain afraid of Russia?
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Becoming more powerful.
Russia had power in Europe and Asia which could affect Britain's trade routes. Quickly industrialising which was a threat to trade. Plans for power in the Balkans |
