7+8 Flashcards
What was the situation in Britain during the 1890s?
Britain felt threatened by European rivals and was forced to expand resources to resist threats.
This period saw the height of British imperialism.
What characterized Britain’s Empire in the 1890s?
It was the greatest Empire the world had ever seen, with over ten percent of the population being British.
The Empire included more Hindus and Muslims than Christians.
What were the main components that held the British Empire together?
- The monarchy
- The English language
- The British legal system
- British administrators
- The Royal Navy
What did Queen Victoria’s Jubilee procession in 1897 symbolize?
It symbolized Britain’s perceived greatness, but the impression was misleading.
Beneath this display was a sense of vulnerability.
What economic challenges did Britain face in the 1890s?
- Decline in cotton and woollen textile exports
- Overtaken by the USA and Germany in steel production
- Greater imports than exports by the late 1890s
What was Britain’s military situation in the 1890s?
Britain had insufficient armed forces to defend its possessions; the army was small except for the Indian army.
The Royal Navy was also a growing concern.
What was the ‘two-power standard’ established by Britain?
British naval strength should always exceed that of the next two strongest European navies combined.
What diplomatic weaknesses did Britain experience in the 1890s?
Britain had no allies, leading to a sense of diplomatic isolation.
This was considered ‘splendid’ by some, but many statesmen were uneasy.
What were the key threats to the British Empire in the 1890s?
- Economic decline
- Military weakness
- Diplomatic weakness
- Fragility of the Empire
How did the British view their Empire in the 1890s?
Most felt pride in the Empire, believing in the superiority of the British race and the ‘mission’ to civilize others.
Who was Cecil Rhodes and what was his vision for the Empire?
Cecil Rhodes was a key figure in southern Africa who envisioned expanding the Empire across Africa, Latin America, and beyond, including a railway from Cape Town to Cairo.
What was Joseph Chamberlain’s role and vision regarding the Empire?
As Colonial Secretary, he advocated for a cohesive Empire and believed in the necessity of imperial unity against challenges from Germany and the USA.
What was Lord Curzon’s belief about the British Empire?
He believed the Empire needed reform and expansion, advocating for the annexation of Afghanistan, Tibet, Arabia, and Siam.
What was the British public’s general sentiment toward the Empire?
Most derived satisfaction from being part of a successful imperial race and believed in their mission to bring education and peace to ‘lower races’.
What was the significance of the British Empire League established in 1894?
It was created to promote imperial unity among British citizens.
What was the impact of media on British imperialism in the early 20th century?
Popular newspapers like the Daily Mail and Daily Express strongly supported British imperialism.
What were the main challenges Britain faced in Asia during this period?
- The Russian challenge to India
- Threats in Turkey and China
- Competition for trade in China
What was the Boxer Rising of 1900?
A Chinese reaction that threatened to provoke colonial grabs by foreign powers, leading to a joint military response to maintain the Manchu dynasty.
What was Britain’s policy towards Russia in the north-west frontier of India?
British policy was cautious and conciliatory, using buffer states to limit Russian advance.
What was the significance of the battle of Omdurman in 1898?
It was a major victory for Kitchener’s forces, solidifying British control over the Sudan.
What was the outcome of the meeting at Fashoda in 1898?
Kitchener’s army outnumbered Marchand’s, leading to British control of the Upper Nile region.
What was the primary interest of Britain in West Africa during this period?
Commercial interests in tropical products, with no significant strategic importance.
Fill in the blank: The British government recognized Egypt as a _______ responsibility by 1890.
[permanent]
What were the agreed boundaries of Sierra Leone, Gambia, and the Gold Coast in relation to France?
The agreed boundaries favoured France
This indicates the diplomatic negotiations that did not favor British interests.
