... take part in certain proceedings. But if it comes to some of these great questions that might strike at our great power, our life, our influence, I do not believe we should find ourselves without allies.' From the above speech it is clear that Goschen thought Britain's isolation far from complete. Certainly there are two different ways of looking at the issue of isolation: historians have often referred to Britain's position at the turn of the century as one of isolation due to the fact that she wasn't involved in any alliances which her European neighbours under Bismarck's guidance were so keen on. However, this is as a result of personal choice not because the other major powers didn't want her as an ally and it is here that the difference in definition can be clearly seen. Britain wasn't involved in alliances with other countries but that is not to say ...

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