The Anglo-French blockade of the RÃo de la Plata in 1845-1850 is placed within Britain's longer pursuit of South American commerce. The interpretation rejects treating it as preparation for the much later Entente Cordiale. Texas and replacement cotton supplies are also questioned as sufficient explanations because Britain already had extensive commercial interests and other cotton sources. Silver is given particular weight because of its use in trade with China. Interruption of commerce in the River Plate could therefore affect British trade well beyond South America.
Chapter · 5:35:27-5:39:02
Trade and silver behind the River Plate intervention
The interpretation centres on South American commerce and silver for trade with China, rejecting an explanation based on the later Entente Cordiale.