320: Colonial Policy and Administration 1914-1947 Flashcards
(40 cards)
What were the key parts of the 1919 Government of India act?
- Viceroy still held control over defence and foreign affairs.
- His council had to defend itself to a legislative body.
- The legislative council had an upper and lower house where 138 of 204 total members were elected.
- Provincial councils run by elected Indian ministers controlling local affairs like education and health.
When was the Simon commission?
1929-30
What other piece of legislation was the 1919 government of India act paired with?
Rowlatt act 1919
What was the simon commision?
An investigative body with no Indian representation reviewing the last India act and the current state of India.
What did the Simon commission suggest?
- Federal system.
- Provinces should have more power.
- Defence, foreign affairs, and security should remain in total British control.
When were the round table conferences?
1930 and 1931
What were the round table conferences? Why were they significant?
Meeting of influential people in the administration of India, held in London.
Did not meet an agreement as dominion status was rejected over fears of non-white leaders not being competent.
What were the key parts of the Government of India act 1935?
- Created the Federation of India.
- Provinces were effectively self governing with British appointed governors.
- Self-government could be suspended in emergencies.
- Franchise expanded 7 to 35 million.
Who opposed the 1935 Government of India act and why?
- Congress party for falling short of what white dominions were allowed.
- Princely leaders as they wished to maintain their independence.
What does Britain do to India in 1939?
Imposes direct rule to combat protest for \india’s involvement in the war.
What happens to India in 1947?
It is granted full independence.
Give examples of 2 African colonies in this period under indirect rule?
Uganda, Northern Rhodesia.
What was Britain’s priority for colonial policy in indirectly ruled African colonies in this period?
Promotion of the colonies economic and social development, especially where it would economically benefit Britain.
GIve examples of 2 economic schemes in Africa in this period?
- Sudan, Gezira cotton scheme. £3 million.
- £10 million in East Africa for trade infrastructure (docks and railway).
- Investment in education in West Africa.
Who provided funding for the British economic improvements in Africa during this time
- Mostly funded by taxes on African people.
small amount of funding provided by Colonial development act
What was the colonial development act?
1929, Allocated £1 for African development.
What enabled the White population in South Africa to maintain their power in the early 1930s?
The 1931 statute of Westminster provided more legitimacy to the political systems in dominions, helping the White population who already had power.
When did the White population in Southern Rhodesia win self-government?
1923
Which population group in Kenya dominated politics in this period, how big was this group?
25,000 strong white settler community. (of about 3 to 5 million population)
What declaration was made in 1923 in response to growing African nationalism? What did it say?
Devonshire declaration which stressed the importance of white settlers respecting African interests .
Which dominions was Britain most worried about in the interwar period?
Canada and South Africa.
What role did WW1 play for colonial policy in dominions in this period?
Fighting in WW1 gave them more confidence and more aspirations for greater self-governance.
What was the 1926 Balfour declaration?
A declaration preceding the Statute of Westminster which gave legitimacy to the new ideas of the Commonwealth.
What were the key points of the Statute of Westminster?
- Dominions should be independent nations.
- Laws passed in Britain could not be enforced in those countries without permission from their own parliaments.
- Dominion countries could pass their own laws without British interference.
