Asses Palmerston’s contribution to British foreign policy 1846-65

Between 1846 and 1865, Palmerston held office either as Prime Minister of Foreign secretary. Even as Prime Minister, Palmerston was interventionist in foreign affairs. Palmerston popularised foreign affairs in that he became the embodiment of British Foreign policy. Palmerston officiated foreign affairs when Britain was the dominant world force.

The principles of British foreign policy were established in 1815, at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, these were four-fold. They were firstly to maintain a balance of power in Europe of whom France was the dominant power. General stability was important, the British felt that the greatest threat to stability came from arbitrary monarchies who wanted to expand at any cost. Secondly to ensure international conditions supported Britain’s economic interests; a peaceful world meant that Britain could trade freely. The third area of foreign policy was the defence of Britain’s territory both at home and abroad, ‘threats to British terri...