Deterrence through Strength: British Naval Power and Foreign Policy under Pax Britannica (Studies in War, Society, and the Military) - Hardcover

Matzke, Rebecca Berens

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0803235143 ISBN 13: 9780803235144

Publisher: University of Nebraska Press, 2011

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author

Rebecca Berens Matzke is an associate professor of history at Ripon College in Wisconsin. She has previously published in Journal of British Studies and War in History.

Review

"This is a refreshing book for those wanting to explore in the importance of projecting sea power coupled with diplomacy and skillful political maneuverings in a constitutional monarchy."—Cmdr. Youssef Aboul-Enein, DCMilitary.com (Cmdr. Youssef Aboul-Enein DCMilitary.com 2011-08-18)

"Matzke's scholarship is a valuable contribution to the vibrant historiography on Victorian foreign policy and the Royal Navy. . . . This is an important book that should be read by anyone with an interest in diplomatic or naval matters."—John C. Mitcham, The Historian (John C. Mitcham The Historian)

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0803235143
• ISBN 13: 9780803235144
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 320