Supporters and Critics of Empire

Question 1

Who supported Empire?

Answer 1

• Ruling elites of late 19th and early 20th century
• Some Liberals
• Conservatives
• Supporters of and PM Lord Salisbury 1895-1905
• The Victoria League 1901

Question 2

What were general reasons for supporting Empire?

Answer 2

• Moral reasons e.g. a “burden”/”responsibility” God had given the British to civilise the world; freeing colonies from local oppression and giving them welfare and law
• Economic benefits
• Empire for E’s sake; “white rule”

Question 3

Why did Liberals support Empire?

Answer 3

To educate and improve colonies, aiming for self-rule

Question 4

Why did PM Lord Salisbury want to unite the empire further?

Answer 4

To bind trade and governing so turn Empire into an economic superpower

Question 5

Quote Lord Curzon

Answer 5

“there has never been anything so great in the world’s history than the British Empire, so great an instrument for the good of humanity”

Question 6

John Hobson’s criticisms of Empire

Answer 6

Economist who wrote in 1902 he believed imperial expansion driven by search for new markets for rich British capitalists to make profit; a small and powerful elite e.g. Boer War for gold

Question 7

Emily Hobhouse’s criticisms of Empire

Answer 7

Welfare campaigner reported on Boer War leading to gov enquiry into concentration camps

Question 8

Wilfrid Scawen Blunt criticisms of Empire

Answer 8

Diplomat and poet in 1889: “The white man’s burden, Lord, is the burden of his cash”