To Lose an Empire: British Strategy and Foreign Policy, 1758-90

This book challenges the conventional understanding of why the British Empire lost control of its American colonies by critiquing the traditional emphasis on alliance and isolation during the Seven Years War and the War of American Independence. It offers a reinterpretation of British strategy and foreign policy during this time, interweaving British domestic policy with diplomatic and colonial developments to show the impact this period had on British strategy and foreign policy for years to come.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book challenges the conventional understanding of why the British Empire, at the height of its power, lost control of its American colonies. By bringing together strategy, foreign policy, domestic, and imperial politics, Jeremy Black seeks to provide a fresh perspective on this complex period. Critiquing the traditional emphasis on alliance during the Seven Years War and the consequences of British isolation during the War of American Independence, Black argues that a misleading understanding of the relationship between policy and strategy lies at the heart of this loss.

Encompassing both the Seven Years War and the American War of Independence, To Lose an Empire is grounded in extensive archival research. It examines a violent and contentious period that played a crucial role in shaping modern Britain and its global influence. Through the interweaving of British domestic policy with diplomatic and colonial developments, the book offers a reinterpretation of British strategy and foreign policy during this time.

One of the key insights of To Lose an Empire is that the British Empire's loss of control over its American colonies was not solely due to military defeats or political missteps. Rather, it was the result of a complex interplay of factors, including economic, social, and cultural dynamics. Black explores how the colonies' desire for self-determination, coupled with the economic pressures of British rule, led to tensions and conflicts that ultimately contributed to the empire's downfall.

The book also sheds light on the role of British domestic policy in shaping the empire's fortunes. Black argues that the empire's policies towards the colonies were often driven by a combination of economic interests, political considerations, and cultural imperialism. For example, the British government's attempts to impose taxes and regulate trade in the colonies led to resentment and resistance, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution.

In addition to its analysis of the British Empire's loss of control over the American colonies, To Lose an Empire also offers valuable insights into the broader implications of this period for British strategy and foreign policy. Black explores how the empire's experiences in America influenced British attitudes towards colonialism and imperialism in other parts of the world. He also considers the impact of the American Revolution on British society and politics, and how it shaped the country's development into a modern, democratic nation.

To Lose an Empire is a thought-provoking and comprehensive study that will appeal to scholars and students of history, politics, and international relations. Its nuanced analysis and rich archival material provide a fresh perspective on a critical period in British history, and its insights into the relationship between policy and strategy are sure to be of interest to policymakers and policymakers alike.

In conclusion, To Lose an Empire is a groundbreaking work that challenges the conventional understanding of the British Empire's loss of control over its American colonies. By examining the complex interplay of factors that led to this loss, Black provides a fresh perspective on a critical period in British history. His insights into the role of policy, strategy, domestic politics, and imperialism offer valuable insights into the broader implications of this period for British strategy and foreign policy. This book is a must-read for scholars and students of history, politics, and international relations.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350216068