2.2 - Imperial and Colonial Policy

Question 1

How was the Raj administered?

Answer 1

British officials in London had unrestrained power until 1909 when representative government was introduced at the provincial level.

Question 2

Who was in charge of the Raj administration?

Answer 2

The Viceroy, backed by the almost all white, Oxbridge, Indian Civil Service.

Question 3

What was the policy of ‘divide and rule’ in India?

Answer 3

It emphasised divisions of race, language, religion to assert Britain’s moral authority.

Question 4

What reforms did Viceroy Curzon introduce?

Answer 4

• Founded the Imperial Cadet Corps,
• Reformed universities and police
• Set up departments for commerce and agriculture.

Question 5

What was the outcome of the Partition of Bengal in 1905?

Answer 5

• Uproar among the Hindu elite
• Boycotts of British goods
• Formation of the All Indian Muslim League.

Question 6

What did the Indian Councils Act of 1909 achieve?

Answer 6

Enabled 27 Indians to be elected from provincial constituencies to assist the Viceroy in law-making.

Question 7

What was a significant action taken by Viceroy Hardinge in 1911?

Answer 7

Moved the Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi and reunited Bengal.

Question 8

What characterised the administration arrangement in Egypt before WWI?

Answer 8

It was a ‘veiled protectorate’ with British advisors overseeing government affairs.

Question 9

What agreement did Britain and France sign in 1904 regarding Egypt?

Answer 9

Entente Cordiale

French recognised Britain’s special rights in Egypt in exchange for British recognition of French control over Morocco.

Question 10

Who was Evelyn Baring and what was his role in Egypt?

Answer 10

British Consul-General in Egypt and advisor to the Khedive from 1883-1907

Question 11

How did Baring address Khedive Isma’il’s debt?

Answer 11

Made cutbacks to military

Improved economy through irrigation schemes

Question 12

What was the impact of Baring’s economic policies on Egypt’s exports?

Answer 12

Exports of cotton and sugar trebled

Question 13

What significant project did Baring oversee in Egypt?

Answer 13

Construction of the Aswan Dam

Question 14

How many British troops were stationed in Egypt to protect interests?

Answer 14

6000 British troops

Question 15

What was Baring’s approach to education in Egypt?

Answer 15

Limited to a few years of elementary schooling due to being wary of raising expectations leading to nationalism

Question 16

Which company became Egypt’s largest employer in tourism?

Answer 16

Thomas Cook & Son

Question 17

Who generally benefitted from the changes in Egypt during this period?

Answer 17

The Egyptian upper classes

Question 18

What nationalist party was founded in Egypt in ____?

Answer 18

al-Ḥizb al Waṭanῑ 1881

Question 19

What event caused significant unrest and nationalist sentiment in 1906?

Answer 19

Denshawai Incident

Question 20

What were the consequences for the villagers involved in the Denshawai Incident?

When was Denshawai?

Answer 20

52 arrested, four convicted of murder, severe sentences

1906

Question 21

Who succeeded Baring as Consul-General in Egypt?

Answer 21

Sir Eldon Gorst

Question 22

What measures did Gorst take to weaken the nationalist party?

Answer 22

Brought more Egyptians into government positions and imposed tighter censorship

Question 23

What was Kitchener’s role during 1911-1914 in Egypt?

Answer 23

Tried to curb nationalist sentiment and increased British dominance

Question 24

What happened in November 1914 regarding British rule in Egypt?

Answer 24

Britain declared a protectorate over Egypt

The Khedive was deposed and replaced by Kamel.

Question 25

Which white settler colonies achieved self-government?

Answer 25

* Canada * Australia * New Zealand * South Africa

Question 26

What was Britain's stance towards white settler colonies regarding loyalty?

Answer 26

Britain trusted these areas to remain loyal and there was no need to dominate them with British officials.

Question 27

What aspects of governance were self-governing colonies still subject to British control?

Answer 27

* Defence * International commerce * Foreign affairs

Question 28

What was the nature of Britain's control over self-governing Dominions?

Answer 28

Control was largely symbolic since Britain was not responsible for administration or costs.

Question 29

How did Britain maintain control in many parts of the Empire?

Answer 29

Britain worked alongside local ‘elite’ ruling classes to make British control possible.

Question 30

What was the consequence for natives who cooperated with the British?

Answer 30

Many natives became wealthy and secure, sometimes at the expense of their own people.

Question 31

What major threat emerged from Russia towards the Raj?

Answer 31

Russia moved 300,000 troops near Afghanistan.

Question 32

What was the 'triple Entente' formed by Britain?

Answer 32

An agreement with France and Russia regarding spheres of influence.

Question 33

What event in July 1914 led to the outbreak of war?

Answer 33

The assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne.

Question 34

Which nations did Britain support against Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1914?

Answer 34

France and Russia.

Question 35

What did the war challenge regarding European empires?

Answer 35

It challenged the legitimacy of European empires and hinted at a desire for national self-determination.