Propaganda and Peace: Robert Harley’s Press Strategies About the Peace of Utrecht

• Published in: 17 - 18 Vol. 79
• Main Author: García, Manuel Alejandro Castellano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Société d'études anglo-américaines des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles 28-12-2022; Société d'Etudes Anglo-Américaines des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles
• Subjects: British politics; Henry St John; political propaganda; Robert Harley; War of the Spanish Succession; Robert Harley; propagande politique; political propaganda; Henry St John; British politics; War of the Spanish Succession; Guerre de Succession d’Espagne; politique britannique
• ISSN: 0291-3798; 2117-590X
• DOI: 10.4000/1718.10888

Concluding its participation in the War of the Spanish Succession was not easy for the British government. Hampered by internal problems, it also had to face the strong campaign against peace carried out by the Whig opposition and the displeasure of its war allies. Among the measures taken by the Harley Cabinet to achieve peace, the use of the press and political propaganda was of vital importance. Through the study of the press and printed propaganda, the political documentation and the correspondence of those involved this article examines the government’s strategy and methods and its ability to adapt to the counterattacks mounted by the press linked to the opposition. It also analyses the internal contradictions of this propaganda campaign resulting from the opposition between the two key figures of the Tory government, Harley and Henry St. John, as well as its influence on the triumph of the peace option in the British Parliament.