Expert: Joseph Logue - 10/3/2008

Question
Our dubious professor says it was England. This for a Victoria who had no control over Palmerston and could not even compel Gladstone to save Gordon. I would venture the Russian Czars or perhaps Franz Joseph?

Answer
Hello James12,

As is often the case in such inquiries, there are multiple answers.  Certainly, as you say, the Czars were autocratic rulers, issuing policy without a constitution or a parliament to obstruct them.  Politically, then, the most powerful monarchs would be Alexander II & III.  Franz Joseph?  Interesting example.  The Habsburgs were rulers of a vast empire, but almost through inertia.  It was not a dynamic power, and lost many of the battles it foolishly chose to enter throughout the 19th century.

As for Victoria, we have here another sort of power, that of influence.  Notice (to state the obvious) that the century is known as the Victorian era, not the Alexandrian or Franciscan era.  Victoria inspired her people to tremendous achievements throughout her reign, which saw Great Britain command the world stage in a way that had not been seen before.  As for it being powerful, you are correct in your observations about Palmerston and Gladstone, but of the three mentioned it is the only monarchy still around.

On the merits you are correct, I believe.  It sounds like your professor could have made his case better.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue