Deterrence through strength : British naval power and foreign policy under Pax Britannica

Author(s)

    • Matzke, Rebecca Berens

Bibliographic Information

Deterrence through strength : British naval power and foreign policy under Pax Britannica

Rebecca Berens Matzke

(Studies in war, society, and the military / editors, Mark Grimsley, Peter Maslowski ; editorial board, D'Ann Campbell ... [et al.])

University of Nebraska Press, c2011

Available at  / 6 libraries

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Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [289]-300) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The notion of a Pax Britannica-a concept implying that Britain's overwhelming strength enforced global peace in the era that began with Napoleon's defeat in 1815-largely ended with the British Empire itself. Although most historians still view this period as a departure from the eighteenth century, when lengthy coalition wars were commonplace, critics argue that Britain had only limited means of exercising power in the nineteenth century and that British military or naval strength played an insignificant role in preserving peace. In Deterrence through Strength, Rebecca Berens Matzke reveals how Britain's diplomatic and naval authority in the early Victorian period was not circumstantial but rather based on real economic and naval strength as well as on resolute political leadership. The Royal Navy's main role in the nineteenth century was to be a deterrent force, a role it skillfully played. With its intimidating fleet, enhanced by steam technology, its great reserves and ship-building capacity, and its secure financial, economic, and political supports, British naval power posed a genuine threat. In examining three diplomatic crises-in North America, China, and the Mediterranean-Matzke demonstrates that Britain did indeed influence other nations with its navy's offensive capabilities but always with the goal of preserving peace, stability, and British diplomatic freedom.

Table of Contents

Preface1. The Early Victorian Period2. Politics, Policy, Principles, and Strategy3. The Instruments of Power4. Britain Gets Its Way in North America5. China: Adjusting the Signal6. The Mediterranean and the Problem of France7. ConclusionBibliography

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