What was the state of British foreign policy from 1689-1763?

Britain – Foreign Policy 1689-1763

In this course, Professor Jeremy Black (University of Exeter) explores foreign policy in Britain from 1689-1763. In the first lecture, we think about what foreign policy meant to Britain in this period. In the second lecture, we think about how British interventionism in Europe affected the country. In the third lecture, we think about the contrasting continental interventionism and Blue Water policies. Next, we think about Britain’s global foreign policy. In the fifth lecture, we think about Britain’s role in the Seven Years’ War. In the sixth and final lecture, we think about sources of tension around foreign policy decisions.

What was the state of British foreign policy from 1689-1763?

In this lecture, we think about foreign policy in Britain from 1689-1763, focusing in particular on: (i) an understanding of foreign policy being beyond just diplomacy; (ii) the ousting of James II by William III in 1689, resulting in foreign policy changes after James II took refuge in France under Louis XIV; (iii) the 1759 French invasion of Britain, which resulted in the defeat of the Jacobites by the British navy; (iv) the relationship between foreign policy and dynastic security for monarchs in this period, as well as security for protestant establishments; (v) the function of foreign policy as an ideology that represented Britishness; (vi) repeated invasion attempts by France and Spain, which increased anxiety around safety in Britain; (vii) the view of British conflict activity in this period as being defensive; (viii) George Frideric Handel’s music, which highlighted the view of national providence held by the British during this period.