Explain The Importance Of Trade, In Relation To Other Factors, In Shaping British Foreign Policy Between 1815-1830.
Napoleon had recently described Britain as a “nation of shopkeepers” and in recognising the particular importance to of trade to the British, had invaded Egypt in attempt to suffocate trade interests during the wars. Likewise, the British highly regarded the value of trade and had fought to save Egypt. Huskisson’s reforms were a move towards free trade and showed a willingness to alter policy dependant on circumstance, removing outdated wartime restrictions which were no longer necessary in a time of peace. Though, trade did not hold the only influence as directly after the wars, extending defence for any further potential threat was also vital.
Agreements during and events following the Congress of Vienna, 1815, were made in order to maintain and improve British defence and commerce. At Vienna, Britain demanded very little territory, instead focusing on gaining small, strategic trading posts such as Malta and Mauritius to extend the influence of the British market. In order to defend the empire, gained colonies such as Tobago and St Lucia could also be used as naval bases and the merge of Holland and Belgium acted as a buffer from ex-enemy France. The newly formed ‘congress system’ increased co-operation of the great powers Britain, Prussia, Russia and Austria, acting as a political buffer from France and also ensuring peace between them. This peace and protection was essential for economic growth. During the Napoleonic wars, there had been an economic slump as trading slowed. 50% of blast furnaces, for example, closed before 1815. It was important for the development of Britain to reactivate the industrial revolution and stimulate economic growth.
Protecting trade interests caused change to methods of dealing with great powers, and provided incentive for British intervention in the internal affairs of other states. Greece, for example, became of interest to British politics when revolts broke out in 1821 as it was used as a land...
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