Kenneth Bourne’s Britain and the Balance of Power in North America, 1815–1908 offers an incisive analysis of British defense and foreign policy as shaped by the complex dynamics of Anglo-American relations. Rather than a conventional history of diplomatic interactions, this volume explores the strategic considerations and defense planning that underscored British policy towards the United States during periods of tension and transition. Bourne examines how the specter of potential conflict influenced British statesmen and military strategists, focusing on pivotal moments of crisis and the evolving balance of power across the 19th century.

Drawing on extensive archival research, including previously underexplored military and naval documents, Bourne reveals the interconnectedness of British defense priorities with broader imperial policies. The book highlights the shifts in defense strategy brought about by technological advancements, changing geopolitical realities, and the rise of American power. With its rich documentation and thoughtful synthesis, Britain and the Balance of Power in North America is an essential resource for scholars of military history, diplomatic relations, and 19th-century geopolitics. This meticulously crafted study illuminates the enduring complexities of transatlantic relations and their profound impact on British imperial strategy.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1967.