Great Britain’s Place in the World, 1707-1997

This volume begins with the military successes of the Duke of Marlborough in Europe. It shows that, together with the fruits of Britain’s Industrial Revolution and powerful navy, this led to increasing wealth and predominance in world affairs, which lasted for 200 years. This increased with the establishment of a burgeoning empire, which is also described in detail. Ironically, this process began with loss of Britain’s American colonies to the concerted will of their leaders, especially the generalship of George Washington, in an unwinnable seven-year war.

While most of the narrative covers conflicts involving Britain, both domestic and European political evolution and development receive attention. The Napoleonic, Crimean, Afghan Zulu and Boer Wars, in particular, were dwarfed by the two World Wars which devastated lands and populations. In Europe, Britain defied the ambitions of three leaders who aspired to hegemony across the continent, and, with the help of allies, emerged victorious, but gravely weakened, its world status overtaken but its pride intact.