Title: British naval policy in the Gladstone-Disraeli era, 1866-1880
First published: 1997
Description: This book examines British naval policy during the mid-Victorian period, with an emphasis on the political, economic, and foreign relations contexts within which naval policy was formulated. This period has sometimes been characterized as the "dark age" of modern British naval history, reflecting not only the comparative lack of research on the period, but also the marginal role played by the Royal Navy during a time of peace.

The author takes a fresh look at the navy's role, which traditionally has been viewed negatively in the wake of the reconceptualization of naval strategy brought about by Mahan and the changed global circumstances of the 1890's.

Against a background of rapid industrialization and economic transformation, the author describes the structure of British naval administration in the Gladstone-Disraeli era, assesses the important reforms of that structure by the Liberal politician Hugh Childers, and examines the strategic and operational contexts of the navy itself.
Subjects: History, History, Naval, Military policy, Naval History, Disraeli, benjamin, earl of beaconsfield, 1804-1881, Great britain, history, naval, Great britain, history, victoria, 1837-1901, Great britain, military policy
Places: Great Britain
People: Benjamin Disraeli Earl of Beaconsfield (1804-1881), W. E. Gladstone (1809-1898)
Time periods: 19th century, Victoria, 1837-1901
LC classification: DA88 .B44 1997