Bismarck and British Colonial Policy

This book by American historian William O. Aydelotte deals with the first chapter in the history of the German colonial empire, the dispute between Germany and England over South West Africa during the years 1883-85.

“Since South West Africa was the first German colony, its history shows most clearly the reactions and readjustments both in British and German policy which were the consequence of the German colonial program. The incident also brings into relief several great political trends of the late nineteenth century: the growth of imperialism in Germany and in England, the conflict in the latter country between the different systems of colonial thought, the diplomatic problem of conducting negotiations between a democratic and an autocratic state, and the causes and results of these two different methods of diplomacy. Above all the story furnishes a superb illustration of Bismarck’s diplomatic technique.

Because of its special importance, the South West African controversy is treated in some detail. The attempt has been made to present not a general survey of the period but a description of specific events. At the same time, the German colonial question is closely bound up with other circumstances, and it has been necessary to go well outside the bare details of the negotiations in order to explain all the influences at work on British and German policy. For this reason a good deal of space has been given in the first two chapters to the colonial and political background in both England and Germany, and especially to the way in which this background affected the men in office in 1883-85. On the other hand, less attention has been given to those subjects which have been adequately discussed elsewhere. Full consideration has, however, been given to the Egyptian problem and the general diplomatic situation both in the narrative and in the conclusions.”