The Eighteenth Century, 1688-1815

This book is intended as a summary introduction to the conduct of British foreign policy between the Revolution of 1688 and the Peace Settlement of 1815, one which takes full account of recent research on the subject and one which makes no sacrifice in terms of analysis and assessment to the requirements of a basic narrative. An introductory section describes the machinery of diplomacy, the basic aims of British statesmen and the overall pattern of foreign relations. Thereafter, the main structure of the book consists of four sections covering the period, dealing respectively with the dynastic wars of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century; the era of Walpole and the Pelhams; the crucial period of imperial expansion and contraction, and the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. A concluding chapter attempts to draw up a balance sheet of British foreign policy during the eighteenth century. Throughout, the author has sought to provide an essentially critical and analytical guide to the major problems of the subject; all the important statesmen of the period are examined, from William of Orange to Lord Castlereagh, and all the significant themes from the broad perspective of overseas expansion to the narrow influences of domestic politics are discussed.