1860년 영불 통상조약과 콥던(Richard Cobden)의 역할

Abstract

This article aims at reappraisal of the radical liberal Reformer Richard Cobden' role by studying R. Cobden’s activities connected with conclusion of the Anglo-French Treaty of commerce of 1860. The need for this research arises from the underestimate appraisal for Richard Cobden as compared with affirmative and positive appraisals of responsible politicians such as prime minister, Henry Temple Palmerston(1784-1865) and Chancellor of the Exchequer, William Ewart Gladstone(1809-1898) relating to some liberal reforms. Cobden tried to have to establish new political order, economic system and foreign relations corresponding to various social changes caused by Industrial Revolution. Especially, He devoted to conclude the Anglo-French Treaty of Commerce of 1860. The Treaty resulted in economically expanding foreign markets of England and served to improve politically hostile and rival relations between England and France lasted since the Napoleon War. He aimed at improving properties of each nation and guaranteeing political self-government of each nation and international relations by international free trade and the peace movement. Michael Chevalier, as the representative for free trade in France, proposed to R. Cobden for the commercial treaty between France and Britain in 1859 and then R. Cobden tried to persuade W. E. Gladstone as Chancellor of the Exchequer in Britain to conclude it. Gladstone’s financial reform proved successful throughout the 1860s. The appreciation of Gladstone as the mastermind of the free trade and the crowner of financial reform in mid-victorian period debted much to the such financial retrenchment reform. However, Gladstone’s success can not be imagined without the inspiration of Richard Cobden who led passionately the Anglo-French Treaty of Commerce of 1860 and the financial reform in 1860s. The Commercial Treaty played a role as a necessary device with which Gladstone could completed his financial reform. The fact that Cobden was appointed as an unofficial executive in the negotiation with Gladstone’s recommendation and support explains their cooperative relationship. Richard Cobden deserve to be enough appraised as ‘an influential political partner’ in his times.