To what extent was splendid isolation(TM) the most important factor of British foreign policy between 1902 and 1939?

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To what extent was ‘splendid isolation’ the most important factor of British foreign policy between 1902 and 1939?

During the period of 1902 – 1939 the British foreign policy was described as that of ‘splendid isolationism’ by a speaker of the Canadian parliament; this policy was a major part of British foreign policy, and essentially involved Britain keeping out of European affairs, in an effort to not only maintain the balance of power but also in an effort to protect the British economy and empire.

However Britain was willing to interfere in these affairs when one country became too powerful, and threatened the balance of power, as she showed throughout this period, and firstly by signing a series of ententes during the start of the 1900’s. The first of these was signed in 1902 with Japan. In this Britain agreed to go to war and defend Japan, as long as she was under attack from more than one company. Japan agreed to do the same for Britain. Both countries also agreed terms over trading in china. This allowed Britain to withdraw ships from Asia, leaving the two-power standard intact. Britain also signed an entente with France in 1904, forming an agreement over both French interests in morocco, and British interests in Egypt. Another entente was signed with Russia in 1907, protecting British interests in India and Russian interests in Afghanistan. This series of ententes also helped Britain to protect her economy, as well as her empire. They were seen by many people as the end of British ‘splendid isolation’ but in many respects they put Britain no closer to European affairs than before, merely maintaining the balance of power.

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Another important factor in British factor in foreign policy between 1902 and 1939 was the German question. This first arose in 1905 as Germany began to become more and more powerful, threatening the balance of power. This forced Britain to become more and more involved in European affairs, and eventually to go to war with Germany (world war one). Germany became more and more aggressive, not only manipulating the two Moroccan crises in 1905 and 1911 in an effort to force Britain and France apart, but also by building a navy under the Kaiser Wilhelm. During the First World War ...

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