CHAPTER III
The Period of Transition, 1890–1897
Although over eighty years of uninterrupted peace had passed since the treaty of Ghent was signed, relations between the United States and Great Britain had never become friendly. Open hostility and sincere friendship each found expression as occasion warranted. It seemed as if only an event so important that it threatened the welfare of both nations would be able to remove the hostile sentiments existing between the two nations and promote a feeling of friendly relationship. Such an event actually occurred in 1895 when the Venezuelan boundary controversy was suddenly added to the perplexing problems which Great Britain was already facing in European politics.
In June, 1895, the Marquis of Salisbury, coalition leader of the Conservatives and the Liberal Unionists, came into power. At the general election held one month later his appointment was confirmed by the return to parliament of a majority of one hundred fifty-two of his adherents. This unequivocal victory was largely due to the adoption of a new foreign policy, for Great Britain was determined to restore her former international prestige. As has already been suggested, the Salisbury program involved the formation of an international alliance of such strength as would assure Great Britain the balance of world
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