Expansion in Africa - Strategy

Question 1

Egypt and the Sudan

Answer 1

• Suez Canal; Sudan has upper reaches of Nile which connected to Egypt
• Opened in 1869; secured June 1882
• Route to India 6000 miles shorter than via the cape

Question 2

East Africa (Zanzibar)

Answer 2

• Acquired Zanzibar in 1890

- Useful trading post in Indian Ocean

Question 3

East Africa (Kenya)

Answer 3

• Given in Berlin Conference (1884-5)

- Connected Uganda to the coast

Question 4

East Africa (Somaliland)

Answer 4

• Acquired 1860

- Access to Indian Ocean and colonies in East

Question 5

South Africa (the Cape)

Answer 5

• Cape is the southernmost tip in Africa; temperate climate; deep water port = advantageous harbour
• Provided protection for sea route to Middle East, China, Australia and India before the Suez Canal was opened in 1869
• 1887: chosen to be principle post for reinforcements bound for India in case of war with Russia

Question 6

South Africa (Chamberlain quote)

Answer 6

The Cape remained a military base of ‘immense importance for England’

Question 7

In the first year of its existence, how many of the vessels using the Suez Canal were British?

Answer 7

• 3/4