Informal Empire Flashcards
what was the informal empire ?
The informal empire compromised places influenced by British power, particularly economic power, sealed through free trade agreements or by British investment in the country.
How did British influence come about ?
Most frequently, British influence derived from commerce, financed by British capital, carried in British this and providing profits for British companies, bankers and insurance firms.
How did commercial agreements extend Britains informal empire into Latin America ?
British public capital in Latin America stood over £80 million by 1865 and Latin America accounted for 10% of Britain’s exports and imports.
Sometimes the acquisition of informal empire required threats or use of force.Example ?
Pressure was put on Mexico in 1861 to keep access open and to uphold free trade treaties while the threat of the Royal Navy ensured compliance in Peru and Chile in 1857 and 1863 respectively.
Chinese Empire was also forced to make concessions to Britiain, which used its naval power to threaten attempts to disrupt its lucrative opium trade from India to China.
how were territories of vital strategic brought under British influence ?
Through diplomatic pressure and the appointment of key advisers.
For example - Britain was able to exercise its influence on the Sultanate of Zanzibar in East Africa ( an area which commanded the African coast of Indian Ocean ) through the activities off John Kirk _ as a result, in 1891, government was established which made Sultan’s first minister a British representative.
Benefits of the Informal Empire ?
British government reaped strategic and commercial advantages at little cost to Britain.
