Fear of Russia Essay

To what extent was the fear of Russia the main influence on British foreign policy in the period 1902-1939? (36 marks)

In 1902, Britain and Russia were in very different places economically as well as in terms of power in the world. Britain’s empire was ever growing with Britain being the largest industrial power in the world ahead of USA and Germany, Britain also had the strongest navy in the world and was on the verge of defeating the Boers in South Africa to fully claim South Africa. However, Russia was weak. The Tsar led a dictatorship over Russia, however, there were issues regarding the power with attempts to take over by the people, Russia was weak in terms of industrial power and with the vast land there were clear divisions in the country with the transport links being poor. However, by 1939, this had all changed, the Communist revolution had led to Stalin being in power and establishing a system whereby the industrial power of Russia became one of the strongest in the world, not relying on the relations between other countries and themselves becoming recognised as one of the most powerful in the world alongside USA.

The Anglo-Russian entente was signed in 1907 which was a way of ensuring that Britain and Russia resolved the differences that they had in Asia, especially over the issue of Persia where it was agreed that Russia would have the land north of Persia while Britain would keep the land south of Persia, meaning they would keep the “jewel in the crown” of India. This, while possibly being seen as significant in Anglo-Russian relations in the years following the treaty, could be seen as primarily serving in Britain’s colonial interests. This can be seen as relating to the Anglo-Japanese treaty of 1902 which Britain signed partly because of their wish to have an “open-door” trade policy with China as well as because they felt that the policy of “splendid isolation” did not serve them well in conflicts such as the Boer War. Also, the French entente...