ANGLO-RUSSIAN RAPPROCHEMENT (1728-1731)

Abstract

“Russia was a growing power in 18th century thanks to efforts of Peter the Great. In his time Russia, started to play important role in European politics and started to involve in European affairs. However rise of the Russia, was detrimental to Britain who construct her foreign policy upon five main pillars. In early 1720’s Russia was threatening every pillar of the British foreign policy. Thereby two powers came to brink of war. Conclusions of the Treaties of Vienna and Hannover, served only to increase the polarisation. Yet after the death of George I’s- first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, conjecture started to change. Europe entered a “détente” period and Russia’s enmity towards to Great Britain started to vanish. Tensions were easing and Russia started to abandon her expansionist policies. British government was aware of potential of Russia and therefore sent two representatives to Russia: Claudius Rondeau and Thomas Ward. Main aim of these representatives was to protect the rights of the British merchant and observe the moves of the Russian government. Their arrival represents a new epoch in Anglo-Russian relations: A period of rapprochement. British pair, who found themselves in a hostile environment, without an official character, worked three years under difficult conditions, and finally they managed to restore the old friendship between two powers. Their works would pave way for future close cooperation, which would endure until the end of 18th century. This paper will first explain the reasons of the estrangement between Great Britain and Russia. Then, activities of Claudius Rondeau and Thomas Ward, which would be ended with the completion of rapprochement, will be examined. Finally reasons that why did the British government decided to restore her relations with Russia will be investigated.