Lisha Boothman 12 JS
BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY 1895 – 1905
Splendid isolation refers to a period in British Diplomacy when the British Government preferred a policy of isolation to an alliance or close diplomatic ties with other powers. It was considered to have lasted from 1895 – 1905. Britain strictly avoided any binding treaty obligations under Salisbury. He believed that so long as Britain supported right and justice, she would never find herself entirely alone.
TIMELINE OF THE MAIN EVENTS:
- 1881 - 1900 – European powers established control over most of the un-claimed parts of Africa.
- 1881 – French declared a protectorate over Tunisia.
- 1882 – Britain occupied Egypt
- 1884 – Britain added Somaliland. The Germans took South West Africa and the Cameroon’s.
- 1884-5 – Berlin conference laid down rules which powers should follow to avoid friction.
- 1885 - Eastern Roumelia had declared itself united with Bulgaria. And Bulgaria had turned hostile towards Russia. At the same time relations between France and Germany were strained. Britain declared protectorate over Bechuanaland. Germany took Tanganyika, while the Italians acquired Eritrea.
- 1887 – Salisbury signed the Mediterranean Agreement. With Italy.
- 1889 – Bismarck proposed a formal alliance with Britain to have a strong anti-French flavour. Salisbury declined the offer due to Germany wanting to stay on good terms with Russia.
- 1890 – Salisbury signed a series of remarkable agreements, which reduced a lot of friction.
- 1894 – Russia and France (two powers most hostile to Britain) began to draw together in the friendship which was to lead to a full treaty alliance.
- 1895 – China was forced to agree to the Treaty of Shimonoseki.
- 1895 – 6 – The Venezuela dispute was settled in Britain’s favour.
- 1896 – The Turks broke their promise and massacres of Christian Armenians occurred.
- 1897 – 8 – British intervention in the war between Greece and Turkey.
- 1898 – The Fashoda incident seemed likely to bring war between Britain and France.
- 1899 – 1902 – The Boer war.
