Date of Award

Spring 1973

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Rooney, J. W.

Abstract

The basic reason for writing this essay stems from my assertion that G. J. Renier's thesis concerning the establishment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is in need of reassessment . Renier's statement that Castlereagh's actions in regard to the boundaries of the Netherlands were opposed by Liverpool, Wellington, and Clancarty cannot be accepted at face value. Nor can Renier's persistent accusation that Castlereagh sacrificed "principles" in order to achieve a settlement with Prussia be verified. He neither elaborates on the principles which were supposedly sacrificed nor does he attempt to show any conflict between those principles and the principles Castlereagh steadfastly adhered to, namely the necessity for Antwerp and the Scheldt basin to be secured by a nation friendly toward Britain. And finally, Renier's views concerning the failure of the proposed marriage between Princess Charlotte and the Hereditary Prince of Orange as being caused by Russian intrigue cannot be substantiated.

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