Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 43:30-45:59

Canning and Castlereagh: visits, forward presence and mobilisation

Canning and Castlereagh's naval diplomacy is explained through port visits, forward presence and mobilisation when required.

British Defence PolicyGeorge CanningLord CastlereaghMichael PartridgeNaval DiplomacySea Power
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Question

How did Canning and Castlereagh use naval power in diplomacy?

Short answer

They used naval visits and forward presence, backed by mobilisation when needed.

Notes

Naval power supported Canning and Castlereagh's diplomacy through visits and a continuing presence near areas of interest. Mobilisation provided an additional instrument when circumstances required it. This combination offered ways to use the navy before actual fighting. For wider context, the recommended reading is Michael Partridge's work on British defence planning between 1814 and 1870, Palmerston's life from 1784 to 1865, and Gladstone.