British Imperial Strategies in the Pacific, 1750-1900

This book offers a comprehensive examination of British efforts to establish an empire in the Pacific from 1750 to 1900, exploring economic and political motivations.

This insightful study begins with an overview of British exploration in the Pacific region, tracing the origins of Britain's attempts to establish dominance through the Imperialism of free trade. The central focus of British Imperial Strategies in the Pacific, 1750-1900 is on the evolution of Britain's trans-Pacific empire. Initially marked by sporadic challenges to Spanish authority, by the late 18th century, Britain had firmly established a colony in Australia and was on the verge of conflict with Spain to secure trading rights in the northern Pacific.

These trading rights ultimately facilitated the establishment of formal colonies in Vancouver Island and British Columbia, as Britain sought to maintain its presence in the north Pacific amid rising American expansionism. The later part of the 19th century witnessed an international 'scramble for the Pacific,' resulting in the creation of new British colonies and protectorates across the Pacific islands. This complex imperial presence was shaped by a multitude of motives and circumstances, reflecting the intricate nature of British imperialism.

The selected essays within British Imperial Strategies in the Pacific, 1750-1900 delve into the diverse economic, political, and cultural factors that spurred British expansion. They highlight the tensions inherent in Britain's imperial identity in the Pacific while leaving Pacific peoples with a multifaceted and challenging legacy. With an important new introduction, this volume serves as a foundation for reassessing British imperialism in the Pacific region.