Deterrence through strength : British naval power and foreign policy under pax britannica / Rebecca Berens Matzke.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Matzke, Rebecca Berens.

Series:

Studies in war, society, and the military.

Studies in war, society, and the military

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sea-power--Great Britain--History--19th century.

Sea-power.

Deterrence (Strategy).

Great Britain--Foreign relations--1837-1901.

Great Britain.

Great Britain--History, Naval--19th century.

Great Britain--Foreign relations--United States.

United States--Foreign relations--Great Britain.

United States.

Great Britain--Foreign relations--China.

China--Foreign relations--Great Britain.

China.

Great Britain--Foreign relations--Mediterranean Region.

Mediterranean Region--Foreign relations--Great Britain.

Mediterranean Region.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (320 p.)

Place of Publication:

Lincoln : University of Nebraska Press, c2011.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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.

Contents:

The early Victorian period

Politics, policymaking, principles, and strategy

The instruments of power

Britain gets its way in North America

China : adjusting the signal

The Mediterranean and the problem of France

Conclusion.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9786613664730

9781280687792

1280687797

9780803236141

080323614X

OCLC:

741509750