Britain followed a deliberate policy of 'Splendid Isolation' from European affiars -preferring to focus on building and maintaining its Empire
did take a Greater interest in European relations when a risk was presented to the balance of power - concern of the German Empire
Tension between Britain and Russia was also well-established
Disbutes between Britain and other Great powers over colonial possessions led to hostility in the 1890s
Fashoda Incident in 1898 emphasised the increasing vulnerability of British dominance overseas
Bismark's planed to isolate France diplomatically, after the Franco-Prussian war was successful untill the 1980s
French politicians were to distracted by problems with the Third Republic and the need to recover economically from the conflict
At the end of the 19th centuary France sought suitable allies
French believed Russia and Britain would each require gurantees of support before entering into a formal agreement
Germany was even considered as an aftermath of the defeat and Revanchism stirred by the German takeover of Alsace-Lorraine was begin to fade from the memories of the french public
A minority of politicials refused to ally with Germany as it would mean renouncing France's claim to Alsace-Lorraine
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Anglo-French Rivalry: Part 2
Pessimism when contemplating an anglo-French agreement
for two centuries Britain and France had been imperial rivals and their colonial ambitions clashed in Canada, India and the African continent
Colonial rivalry with Britain over Egypt in 1882 prevented an Anglo-French understanding for years - the suez canal was vital for commerce = Britain sent troops to invade and occupy Egypt in August 1882
Potential for conflict was high but both sides reached peaceful agreements over disputed colonies
In June 1882 the Anglo-French convention confirmed the territorial boundaries of each empire in West Africa
Fashoda incident resulted in the formal agreement recognising Spheres of Influence in the North-East
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