"Splendid Isolation" is the expression used to describe Britain's foreign policy under the Conservative party, which was led by Lord Salisbury. "Splendid Isolation" referred to the fact that in this era Britain preferred to remain secluded from creating alliances or close diplomatic ties with any other nation outside her vast empire. Therefore she did not structure alliances with any of the two major systems of power that had formed within Europe. It is argued that this stance was taken as Britain's influence within Europe would alter the equilibrium and could subsequently lead to war. Conversely there is an antithesis to this argument that "Britain's isolation was a fact rather than a policy " as her growing enmity with other world powers, meant that he isolation was forced and certainly did not resemble anything "splendid".
2. British politicians at the time were anxious about Britain's plight for a number of factors. Initially the Boer War had lucidly shown the almost worldwide abhor for Britain and her empire. The fact that France publicly condemned the actions of the British army was detrimental to the invincible and imperial image that Britain had built over the world. However Germany's role was far more disconcerting. The Kaiser, who was infamous for his expansionist and imperial mindset, had sent a telegraph to congratulate the Boers on their successes against the British. Furthermore the Boers were using artillery that was German made. This really removed any doubts that the British politicians had had regarding the dislike the other major powers had for Britain.
Other factors also disgruntled the British politicians. The enmity with Germany had meant that Britain's economic power in relation to her was waning. However the Russian threat proved paramount due to her yearning for a warm water port, which directly threatened the "jewel in the crown" that was India. Furthermore Russian occupation of Manchuria in 1901 meant that China, a major trade ally for Britain, was endangered.