Why Britain would block a Prussian breakup of France

If Prussia broke up France after 1871, could Germany inherit the French colonies?

Probably not. Britain would use its financial and naval leverage to preserve the European balance and control how the colonies were redistributed.

A German takeover of the French colonies after a hypothetical breakup of France would face British opposition. In this interpretation, Britain could support France with supplies and use credit, trade restrictions, and the Royal Navy's blockade power to pressure Prussia. Britain would also want France strong enough to balance Prussia, making federation more acceptable than fragmentation into small states. Colonial expansion would depend on the value and cost of individual possessions: selected territories might go to Britain, Spain, or local powers. Bismarck is expected to accept limits on overseas acquisitions in return for British acceptance of his European position. These are proposed consequences of the scenario, with finance and sea power constraining the settlement.