Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Spanish-British relations changed during the first three decades of the 19th century. Both states emerged victorious from the Napoleonic wars and were united by the alliance, but their respective strength was totally different. While Great Britain enhanced its status as a sea power, strong enough to affect the political situation in Europe, Spain sank to the rank of a secondary state. Britain, protecting clearly defined interests, carried out long-term and rational policy. Spain's policy was inconsistent and it could not be treated as a reliable ally in spite of its considerable economic resources and strategic importance. The book analyses a long and complex process of overcoming the traditional hostility between the two countries and outlines the international context as well as the internal conditions of that political evolution.
Synopsis
The work outlines British and Spanish relations in the first half of the 19th century. Great Britain was on the peak of its power and Spain was making efforts to overcome the crisis of the falling empire. Interests as well as potential dangers made both countries review their policy of hostility and find the grounds for cooperation.