“Getting to Know You: Diplomats and Intelligence Gathering in the Anglo-American World during the Civil War”

Lecture by Hugh Dubrulle, History Professor at Saint Anselm College

Throughout the American Civil War, the top diplomatic priority of the United States consisted of keeping Britain out of the conflict—a task that required the collection of much information. At the same time, the leaders of the United Kingdom closely monitored North America because events there exerted such a great influence on a multitude of British interests. During this period of great transatlantic tension, how did British diplomats collect information about the United States, and how did their American counterparts learn about Britain? Professor Hugh Dubrulle will discuss how the fraught antebellum relationship between the two states had led each to develop extensive information networks that allowed it to understand its antagonist on the other side of the Atlantic. When war broke out, these networks of diplomats, consular officials, army officers, journalists, travel writers, businessmen, and private freelancing individuals were badly disrupted. Although transatlantic communication often threatened to break down completely, both sides collected sufficient information to make rational diplomatic decisions and prevent war from breaking out.

This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration requested. To inquire or register, call 603-763-4789 x3.

This program is made possible by a grant from New Hampshire Humanities.