British Foreign Policy in the Age of the American Revolution [Hardcover]

This is the first detailed and comprehensive study of the British foreign policy before and during the war that led to the loss of the American colonies. Using a wide range of sources, Scott examines the problems faced by Britain after the Seven Years War and the way in which they were exacerbated during the mid-1760s by its British statesmen. He proceeds to chart the limited recovery started later in the decade, the renewed setbacks following the American revolt in 1775, and the subsequent intervention of France and Spain. The resulting isolation is shown to have been the result of a realignment of the European powers which undermined many of the traditional premises of British diplomacy. A scholarly reassessment of British diplomacy, this volume analyzes both the impact of the personalities involved and the successes and failures of their policies.

This is a valuable addition to scholarship. --Journal of Modern History

A work that should stand the test of time even as it inspires other scholars to challenge some of his findings....[A] valuable addition to scholarship, particularly for the years 1763-73. --Journal of Modern History

Will long be used as a key reference to the complexities and subtleties of British diplomacy in the critical middle years of George III's reign. --American Historical Review

[A] splendid book....So provocative and well written as to be one of the most exciting works of history I have read in a long time....American colonial, military, and political historians will find much to ponder and all lovers of good historical writing much to enjoy. --William and MaryQuarterly

This work is a masterful analysis of British diplomacy during the last half of the eighteenth century and undoubtedly will be recognized as the authoritative study in the field. --Pennsylvania History

Deserves the attention of both advanced scholars and gralS}