Trade and Commerce 1890-1914

Question 1

How did the Empire economically benefit Britain?

Answer 1

imports and exports form the empire
as the empire grew, Britain’s exports increased from 21% in 1875 to 37% in 1913
India alone took 20% of Britains exports

the empire was massively profitable from transport such as with steamships and railways like the Ugandan railway which was 660 miles

by 1914, Britain had invested over 40% of their overseas investment in the empire, with twice as much investment as France and Germany

Question 2

evidence against how trade and commerce was a benefit to the empire

Answer 2

trade with the empire remained static as trade elsewhere in the empire was growing

Britain imported imported 32.7 million pounds worth of foodstuffs from the USA, twice as much as Canada

tropical Africa only amounted to 1.2% of trade and the Boer War 1899-1902 cost Britain one4 £250 million

Hobson, the revered economist, argued that the benefits of the empire were not felt throughout Britain, excess capital should be spent on raising living standards in Britain rather than trying to find investment in Africa

Question 3

how was imperial preference introduced

Answer 3

an agricultural depression and completion with European powers, damaged free trade

proposed by Joseph chamberlain, Colonial Secretary

a form of protectionism within the empire

Idea was discussed at the Conolianl Conference of 1902 in London

Question 4

What was the opposin to Imperial Preference

Answer 4

ompany owners, manufacturers and bankers who had business links challenged the provision o Imperial Preference

most of the public were still in belief of the success of
Free Trade

1906 election, Liberals had a landslide majority defeating the Unisons and confirming free trade would continue