Pitt's foreign policy - peacetime Flashcards
When was his foreign policy in peacetime?
1783-1789
What were his four main aims?
To end isolation.
Preventing a quadruple alliance.
Promoting trade.
Ensuring the there was no French control of the Low Countries.
Why was Britain isolated?
After the war with America ended in defeat, Britain was in an isolated position. Isolation meant that Britain faced hostile powers in many key areas, e.g. the Caribbean and trading was difficult.
What ended isolation?
British policies successfully stopped French dominance in the Low Countries. However, Britain did not do the fighting. It simply used its wealth and navy to support the Prussians. This ended isolation and led to the Triple Alliance.
Who was in the Triple Alliance?
Britain, Prussia and the United Provinces.
Why did Pitt have to prevent the Quadruple Alliance?
It would be a disaster for Britain as it would threaten Britain’s position and empire.
Who would have been in the Quadruple Alliance?
Russia, France, Austria and Spain.
What prevented the Quadruple Alliance?
Pitt did little to actually prevent this, internal squabbles stopped it, e.g. tensions between Austria and Russia.
France was not as keen to make close alliances with the other nations.
What showed that France was not keen to make alliances?
1789-1790 when Britain and Spain fell out over Nootka Sound and France did not back up Spain.
Why did Pitt want to promote trade?
Use trade to promote the British economy but making free trade agreements with other countries.
What happened with Pitt’s plans to improve trade?
Pitt wanted to improve trade relations with the United Provinces in 1785, but the conflict with the Patriots and the House of Orange made his difficult.
What trade improvements were made?
The major trade agreement was the Eden Treaty with France in 1786. This had major benefits for Britain because of the advantage of the Industrial Revolution.
What had always been British policy?
To prevent a hostile power from controlling the Low Countries. If this had happened, an enemy would have been able to stop Britain from trading with Europe, could have dominated the English Channel or even invaded Britain.
Who provided a threat to Britain?
The ‘Patriots’ in the United Provinces posed a huge threat to Britain. They were pro-French and if they succeeded against the House of Orange, would probably ally with France, meaning a hostile power would be in control of the Low Countries.
What did Pitt do to prevent a French invasion?
Pitt used the British navy to scare France and prevent a French invasion. He gave money, ammunition and naval support to the Prussians who sent in 20,000 troops.
