Scotland, Great Britain and the United States : contrasting perceptions of the Spanish-American War and American imperialism, c. 1895-1902
British relations with the United States during the period 1895 to 1902 shifted from an attitude defined by suspicion and hostility to one of friendship. The relationship endured three main trials; the Venezuelan boundary crisis, the Spanish-American War, and simultaneous colonial struggles; the United States in the Philippines and Great Britain in South Africa. What developed was a greater mutual understanding, laying foundations for the enduring special relationship of the twentieth century. Public opinion was critical to the development of the relationship with the United States, especially in view of existing suspicions and conflicting interest groups in both countries. Great Britain, with her naval power and the vast resources of the British Empire, was undoubtedly the most powerful nation-state for much of the nineteenth century, and had stood in 'Splendid Isolation' secure in the knowledge that each threat to her supremacy could be met in turn. However, in the latter years of the century, over-stretched from her imperial possessions, Britain faced more serious threats to her security and increasing demands for a formal relationship with a power with similar interests, the United States was advanced
Donald, Iain
USA; British Empire; Anglo-American relations
Scotland, Great Britain and the United States : contrasting perceptions of the Spanish-American War and American imperialism, c. 1895-1902. British relations with the United States during the period 1895 to 1902 shifted from an attitude defined by suspicion and hostility to one of friendship. The relationship endured three main trials; the Venezuelan boundary crisis, the Spanish-American War, and simultaneous colonial struggles; the United States in the Philippines and Great Britain in South Africa. What developed was a greater mutual understanding, laying foundations for the enduring special relationship of the twentieth century. Public opinion was critical to the development of the relationship with the United States, especially in view of existing suspicions and conflicting interest groups in both countries. Great Britain, with her naval power and the vast resources of the British Empire, was undoubtedly the most powerful nation-state for much of the nineteenth century, and had stood in 'Splendid Isolation' secure in the knowledge that each threat to her supremacy could be met in turn. However, in the latter years of the century, over-stretched from her imperial possessions, Britain faced more serious threats to her security and increasing demands for a formal relationship with a power with similar interests, the United States was advanced
scotland great_britain united_states contrasting perception spanish american war american imperialism british relation united_states period shift attitude define suspicion hostility friendship relationship endure three_main trial boundary crisis spanish american war simultaneous colonial struggle united_states philippines great_britain south_africa develop great mutual foundation endure special_relationship public_opinion critical development relationship united_states especially view exist suspicion conflict_interest group country great_britain naval power vast resource british_empire undoubtedly powerful nation_state much stand isolation secure knowledge threat supremacy could meet turn however over imperial possession britain face serious threat security increase_demand formal relationship power similar interest united_states advance