Since the late half of the 17th 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 18th century was antiFrench, aligned and waving between isolationism and interventionism.

British diplomacy; Williams III; antiFrench alliance; the bluesea policy