ABSTRACT
This chapter considers Britain, in the period from the Glorious Revolution to the defeat of Napoleon in light of the linked overreach and limits. Initially, the British connection, which began with the accession of George I in 1714, appeared a way to advance dynastic claims to territory and status, not least in the partition of the Swedish empire. The element of perception reflects critical views on Catholicism and, correspondingly, the customary association of progress with Protestantism. The British war became a source of military and naval commitment and, after that situation had ceased, William III benefited greatly from British resources, both in the war that continued until 1697 and in the subsequent post-war negotiations. It might be flippant to suggest that dynasticism still plays a role in American politics in the age of Bushes and Clintons, not least in the patronage structures of the political parties. Thereafter, invasion attempts were mounted by France in its wars with Britain.
