Britain & Africa Flashcards
(28 cards)
What were the 4 key reasons for the establishment of the British Empire?
- Trade
- Strategy
- Religious Beliefs
- Competition
Why did GB need the empire for trade?
They needed raw materials to develop their industry.
How did GB trade with overseas colonies?
Colonising territories allowed Britain to acquire a steady, cheap supply of raw materials. Goods manufactured from these materials in Britain were then sold back to the colonies.
How were overseas colonies enforced?
They were enforced by designated trade companies.
Why were some territories strategically important?
Places such as Malta, Gibraltar and the Falklands provided important naval bases to guard sea lanes.
What was the primary strategy behind colonising overseas?
It was necessary for Britain to conquer overseas to beat neighbouring European powers to it.
Why was religion an important part of colonising?
British Christians wanted to spread the word of God abroad to “Christianise” what they saw as “uncivilised savages”.
What was the role of Christian missionaries?
They travelled overseas and worked in hospitals, churches and schools, trying to convert the local people.
What was the name of the Europeans’ overseas policy?
An Imperialist policy.
Who were Britain’s main competitors in the African “land grab”?
France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Germany
What were the strengths of the British Empire in 1857?
- Resources
- Trade
- Markets
- Strategic advantages
- Status
What were the weaknesses of the British Empire in 1857?
- Size (difficult to enforce)
- Protection
- Cost
- Foreign rivalries
- Threats from indigenous people
Why was Africa regarded with renewed interest by the 1880s?
European nations had recently undergone the industrial revolution which African leaders were not prepared for.
This made it easier for Europe to colonise a less technologically advanced Africa and exploit it for it’s resources which were needed to fuel European industry.
What else had given European nations an advantage?
Travel and communications were now more plausible due to the introductions of railways, steamships and telegraphs.
What policy had European nations adopted by the late 19th century?
They had adopted a policy of trade monopoly and colonial imperialism.
What is the “Swing to the East”?
Britain were sent on a “Swing to the East” for colonies in Africa and Asia, following the loss of their colonies in America in the late 1700s.
What was the primary reason for British expansion into Africa?
The opportunity of further trade inland due to the discovery of new routes. In the later 1800s, coal, iron and timber were needed to feed British industry.
What was the cycle of dependency?
A cycle whereby: Britain exploited Africa to manufacture goods and sold them back to Africa. This occurred particularly in Europe’s “long depression” from 1873-96.
Why was personal influence key to British expansion?
The growth of trade led to an increase in influence of British merchants such as George Goldie and Cecil Rhodes who discovered fame and fortune by capitalising on new African commodities.
What strategic approach did Britain use in West Africa?
They built forts for protection in Sierra Leone and the Gambia.
What was the advantage of the Cape Colony in South Africa.
The Cape Colony - seized by Britain in 1806 from the Dutch - held advantages over other harbours due to it’s deep water ports and temperate climate.
It gave Britain control over the sea routes leading to the Middle East, China, India etc.
What was morality important to British expansion?
Victorian people held “strong moral principles” and in the 1860s, Christian missionaries such as David Livingstone saw it as their duty to spread Christianity in Africa.
What was the role of explorers in British expansion?
Explorers located vast reserves of materials such as gold, palm oil and diamonds. By 1857, most of Africa had been added to European maps.
What was the British approach in the mid-late 19th century?
The period between 1857 and 1890 was characterised by a British desire to protect their existing belongings which led to a formalisation of control.
