The Development of Britain's Entrepots and trade routes 1763-1914: Flashcards
When did the development of trade routes become more government led?
Until the 1840s it was mostly merchants who were motivated by profit rather than power, but by the 1840s the government started to dispatch warships etc. to the far east. In the late 1800s, there was a need to protect its possessions even if it meant colonising other parts of the worlds with little value.
Problem with trade in china?
Heavily controlled by chinese gov. e.g. could only trade with Canton and were heavily taxed. The only way to reach it was through the straits of malacca and this was monopolised by the dutch who refused British ships and or charged high tax. it was also known for piracy.
What did Sir Stamford Raffles do?
Established Singapore as a port in 1819 (the legal grounds were shaky.) The Dutch saw this as their property but under Anglo-Dutch treaty 1824 they were allowed it in return for Sumatra and Bencoolen.
How many Spanish dollars passed through Singapore in 1824?
11 million.
Why did singapore grow so quickly?
It was an entrepot - ships of all nations could dock with no tax. Ships headed for China could stop and trade opium for textiles etc. and also resupply.
- There were many merchant houses (20 by 1846)
-Grew mostly due to its strategic location.
What was Zanzibar used for?
Used a port for transport to middle east and india. Its influence extended deep into eastern africa. This was under the Sultan of Oman, not Britain.
How did Britain get involved in zanzibar?
Started in 1815 to supress the slave trade backed by the royal navy - this allowed them to influence local rulers in zanzibar. 1822 - banned export of slaves, not totally banned until 1873. This led to british politicians getting involved to promote a sultan who supported their interests.
When did zanzibar become a british entrepot?
1861 - it had lost its status as a slave port and was used to trade ivory and rubber. 96 ships went through in 1879. Tariffs were low at 5% It remained an islamic state.
Why was Zanzibar not an interest to investors initially?
No large river system to get deep into Africa so railways were required which needed large investment.
What was significant about expansion into East Africa?
Some investors were driven more by imperialist ‘glory’ than commercial gain. These failed due to lack of investment.
What allowed expansion into east africa?
German Karl Peters in 1884 - supported by Bismarck created East German Trading Company (declared he was under imperial protection) Kaiser invested £25000 into this. No money was made until 1904 when railway was created.
How did this influence British expansion into east africa?
Persuaded William Mackinnon to have another try at a company after his first didn’t receive gov. backing. Raised £250000 for ‘British East Africa Association’. Investment didn’t come from commercial investors but mostly from himself an imperialists or evangelists.
What was significant about the failures of the BEAA?
Whilst it lost £50000 in 1892, investors didn’t care as they were drawn in by the imperial ‘glory’ of an empire in east Africa as this became more attractive to Britain.
What did Britain use this company for?
Funded railway from Mombasa to Uganda in 1896, established a series of east African protectorates in 1895 - the scramble for Africa was less about commercial gain and more about establishing colonies.
What happened in 1890?
Britain and Germany dealt a treaty where Zanzibari rights were ignored and Britain established a protectorate over Zanzibar - “more acceptable for the half civilised race” - British PM.
-After a anti-British sultanate came to power the British bombarded the city leading t 500 Zanzibari casualties and only lasted 38 mins (shortest war in history).
