Deterrence through Strength

The notion of a Pax Britannicaa concept implying that Britains overwhelming strength enforced global peace in the era that began with Napoleons defeat in 1815largely ended with the British Empire itself. Although most historians still view this period as a departure from the eighteenth century, when lengthy coalition wars were commonplace, critics argue that Britain had only limited means of exercising power in the nineteenth century and that British military or naval strength played an insignificant role in preserving peace. In Deterrence through Strength, Rebecca Berens Matzke reveals how Britains diplomatic and naval authority in the early Victorian period was not circumstantial but rather based on real economic and naval strength as well as on resolute political leadership. The Royal Navys main role in the nineteenth century was to be a deterrent force, a role it skillfully played. With its intimidating fleet, enhanced by steam technology, its great reserves and ship-building capacity, and its secure financial, economic, and political supports, British naval power posed a genuine threat. In examining three diplomatic crisesin North America, China, and the MediterraneanMatzke demonstrates that Britain did indeed influence other nations with its navys offensive capabilities but always with the goal of preserving peace, stability, and British diplomatic freedom.