1.1 Expansion of the British Empire in Africa

Question 1

What was the extent of Britain’s territorial empire in 1857?

Answer 1

Britain controlled a vast territorial empire spread across all continents of the world, eclipsing its formal rivals.

Question 2

What was Britain’s naval and economic status in the world in 1857?

Answer 2

Britain had the largest, most powerful navy and was the richest, most developed industrial economy.

Question 3

How did many Britons view the Empire in 1857?

Answer 3

Many viewed the Empire with indifference, with some believing it was a burden rather than a benefit.

Question 4

What was the political tradition regarding the governance of the Empire?

Answer 4

The governance was inconsistent due to a political ‘tradition’ that prescribed what forms of power were legitimate.

Question 5

What are Colonies of Settlement?

Answer 5

Colonies populated by white settlers from Britain that gained a form of ‘responsible government’ with elected parliaments.

Question 6

What are Crown Colonies?

Answer 6

Colonies administered directly by a governor appointed by the British crown, mostly non-European and developed for trading.

Question 7

Why was India considered distinct in the British Empire?

Answer 7

India was large, important for trade, rich, had an immense population, and was ruled by the East India Company until 1858.

Question 8

What is an Informal Empire?

Answer 8

Territories influenced by the British but not directly ruled, where British traders exerted influence through advantageous agreements.

Question 9

Protectorate

Answer 9

An area with its own ruler, but under the protection of the British crown, controlling military and influencing domestic policy.

Question 10

What does ‘Settlement’ refer to in the context of the Empire?

Answer 10

A loose term denoting an area containing British settlers and under British control.

Question 11

What does ‘Occupied’ mean in the context of British territories?

Answer 11

An area containing British settlers or military force but not under British control.

Question 12

What is a Client State?

Answer 12

An area with its own ruler but strong British influences restricting the ruler’s independence politically, militarily, and economically.

Question 13

What is Chartered Company Rule?

Answer 13

An area ruled by a trading company with a special licence from the government granting it political and economic rights.

Question 14

What is a Veiled Protectorate?

Answer 14

A state controlled indirectly by another state.

Question 15

What moral factors contributed to the British Empire’s expansion in Africa?

Answer 15

Christian missionaries aimed to spread their faith and viewed the Empire as a force for ‘civilisation’ and ‘enlightenment’.

Question 16

How did trade and the economy play a role in the expansion of the British Empire in Africa?

Answer 16

The industrial revolution allowed British merchants to discover new raw materials for manufacturing and investment opportunities.

Question 17

What strategic factors motivated British expansion in Africa?

Answer 17

Desire for global dominance and protection of coastal interests against threats from France and Germany.

Question 18

Who were key individuals in the personal influence of British expansion in Africa?

Answer 18

Imperialists like George Goldie and Cecil Rhodes capitalized on new commodities and published findings from their explorations.

Question 19

Who were the Ottomans?

Answer 19

A dynasty of Turkish rulers that dominated parts of Eastern Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Spain.

Question 20

What was the status of the Ottoman Empire by the 1800s?

Answer 20

It was struggling and often referred to as ‘the sick man of Europe’.

Question 21

What happened when Turkey sided with Germany in WW1?

Answer 21

Britain stopped supporting Turkey and won a lot of Turkish land after the war.

Question 22

What was Britain’s attitude to Egypt in 1857?

Answer 22

In 1857, the idea that Egypt would fall under British control was laughable. Britain was largely hostile towards the Muslim rulers of Egypt.

Question 23

Why did Britain’s interest in Egypt grow?

Answer 23

• Starvation of cotton during the American Civil War
• Investment in Egyptian cotton production
• Isma’il Pasha’s project to cut the Suez Canal
• Completion of the Suez Canal in 1869
• Disraeli purchasing shares in the canal in 1875 (£4m worth)

Question 24

What was the significance of the Suez Canal for Britain?

Answer 24

The Suez Canal made the trading route to India 55,000 miles shorter than via the Cape.

Question 25

Who was Isma’il Pasha?

Answer 25

Isma’il Pasha was the Khedive of Egypt who came into power in 1863 and initiated the Suez Canal project.

Question 26

What led to Britain establishing control in Egypt?

Answer 26

• Purchase of Suez Canal shares (£4m)
• Dual control of the Egyptian economy
• Deposition of Isma’il Pasha
• Wielding influence over Tewfiq

Question 27

What was the Dual Control in Egypt?

Answer 27

Dual Control was when British and French ministers were brought in to run the Egyptian economy due to mounting debts, with Britain controlling government revenue.

Question 28

What was the ‘Veiled Protectorate’ in Egypt?

Answer 28

A situation where Tewfiq was restored as a puppet ruler under British control, with British advisors effectively ruling Egypt. Evelyn Baring, the Consul General, was effectively incharge

Question 29

Who was General Gordon?

Answer 29

Colonel Charles Gordon was appointed as Governor-General of Sudan from 1877 to 1880, known for his opposition to the slave trade.

Question 30

Who was the Mahdi?

Answer 30

The Mahdi was the Sudanese Islamic cleric Muhammad Ahmad, who opposed British rule and sought to liberate Sudan.

Question 31

What did PM Gladstone order General Gordon to do after General Hicks’ death?

Answer 31

Gladstone ordered General Gordon to evacuate the Egyptian and British troops from Khartoum in 1884.

Question 32

What happened to General Gordon and the Khartoum garrison?

Answer 32

General Gordon stayed at Khartoum despite orders, leading to the garrison being overrun and Gordon being killed in 1885.

Question 33

Why didn’t Gladstone retaliate after Gordon’s death?

Answer 33

Gladstone did not retaliate to avoid further loss of life and money for no obvious gain.