Palmerston - Influence of British PM's and Their Foreign Policy Ambitions

Question 1

What happened at The Second Anglo-Chinese War (1856-60)? What impact did it have on attitudes towards the empire?

Answer 1

In 1856, a ship named the Arrow sailing under a British flag was seized by the Chinese. The British consul demanded the ship’s release and an official apology. When China refused, Palmerston supported the decision to bomb Canton. The outcome led to an expansion of trade with China.

Palmerston had protected British interests. He had expanded Britain’s international trade and the British economy benefited. British international prestige was enhanced.

Question 2

What was the Trent Affair? What impact did it have on attitudes towards the empire?

Answer 2

The Trent Affair in November 1861 produced public outrage in Britain. A US Navy warship stopped the British steamer Trent and seized two Confederate envoys en route to Europe. After several tense weeks, the crisis was resolved when the Lincoln administration released the envoys.

Britain liked this because it showed Britain could intimidate other world leaders.