论威廉三世对英国外交的改变

On William III's Change of British Diplomatic Policy

从17世纪后半叶起,法国的崛起逐渐威胁到欧洲各个国家。面对法国的扩张,英国复辟王朝的查理二世奉行亲法的外交,詹姆士二世保持"中立",都无视法国势力的上升,英国因此疏离于欧洲大陆事务之外。"光荣革命"将坚决反法的奥伦治·威廉送上英国王位,不仅改变了英国的外交立场,确立了实现的方式,还为英国提供了新的外交选择。整个18世纪的英国外交体现出反法、结盟以及在孤立主义与干预主义之间抉择的特征。

Since the late half of the 17 th century,the rapid rise of France gradually became a threat to other European nations. In face of French expansion,Charles II after the Restoration carried out a pro-French diplomatic policy,whereas James II maintained a ＂neutral＂position,both neglected the rise of French influence. As a result,Britain chose to drift away from the European continental affairs. The Glorious Revolution throned the resolutely anti-French Orange Williams as King of England. This helped Britain not only to change her diplomatic position but to settle the means of realization and offer her a new diplomatic choice. Thus British diplomacy throughout the 18 th century was anti-French,aligned and waving between isolationism and interventionism.