International relations and trade
Documents in the National Archives show how the country has wielded power and influence both at home and abroad through international trade and diplomacy, particularly during the period of the British Empire.
International relations and trade highlights in pictures
Stories from the collection
Focus on The papers of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga, a Spanish treasure galleon
Read about The papers of Nuestra Señora de Covadonga, a Spanish treasure galleon
This previously unknown set of records from an 18th-century galleon shines a light on one of history's most significant trade routes.
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A warning from MI5 about the Nazis
This MI5 assessment highlights some of German leader Adolf Hitler’s feelings towards the United Kingdom in 1938 – including (allegedly) using a swear word.
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Request for compensation for the Boston Tea Party
On 16 December 1773, 340 chests of tea were thrown into Boston harbour by protesting colonists. This letter from the East India Company requests reimbursement.
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Copy of Henry VIII's diplomatic assurances to João III of Portugal
Recently rediscovered, this letter offers new archival evidence into Britain and Portugal's shared history.
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A letter from Gandhi's 'errand boy'
This letter is an example of those in our collection detailing Indian and Pakistani Independence, but from a lesser-known voice, Sudhir Ghosh.
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The Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
The first Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea was prompted by the sinking of RMS Titanic. Signed in 1914, it established international shipping standards.
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The WÃSÙ journal
WÃSÙ was the journal produced by the West African Students’ Union (WASU) and distributed across Europe and Africa from 1926.
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The Festival of Britain
The National Archives has a wealth of documents, photographs and art work collected during the planning and running of the influential 1951 Festival of Britain.