Gladstone - Influence of British PM's and Their Foreign Policy Ambitions Flashcards
What was the Franco-Prussian War? What impact did it have on attitudes towards the Empire?
After the Franco-Prussian war, Prussia’s victory over France heralded the transformation of the balance of power in Europe. Gladstone took no action beyond securing a commitment from Prussia (now Germany) and France to jointly expect neutrality.
The British Public would’ve seen Gladstone as weak for not intervening.
What was the Revocation of the Black Sea Clauses of the Treaty of Paris? What impact did it have on attitudes towards the Empire?
Gladstone had attempted to persuade the German Chancellor Bismark not to annex Alsace and Lorraine. However, Bismarck annexed the territories anyway. Bismarck’s annexation weren’t challenged by Gladstone. Nor was Britain able to take effective action when Russia took advantage of the crisis to renounce the Black Sea clauses of 1856 Treaty of Paris. The Treaty had banned Russia from maintaining a naval fleet in the Black Sea.
Gladstone had avoided war but her had also abandoned Britain’s policy of controlling Russian expansionism.
What was the Alabama Award? What impact did it have on attitudes towards the Empire?
Alabama was a warship built in Britain for the South during the American Civil War. During the war, the Alabama captured/sunk up to 57 Northern vessels. Gladstone agreed to an international conference in Geneva. This awarded the USA £3.2 million in damages and Gladstone agreed to pay.
Many saw this as a blow to Britain’s international prestige, although it did ensure Britain remained on good terms with USA.
What was the First Boer War? What impact did it have on attitudes towards the Empire?
Dutch Boer settlers of the Transvaal demanded their independence from British rule. In 1881, a British force was destroyed at the Battle of Majuba Hill. The Transvaal was granted internal self-government.
