1.2 - Imperial and Colonial policy Flashcards
What was the Colonial Office?
Established in 1801, initially combined with the war office, functioned separately from 1854, divided into 5 departments, headed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies
Departments included North America, Australia, the West Indies, Africa, and the Mediterranean, with a General department from 1870.
How was India governed after the mutiny of 1857?
The East India Company handed control of India to the British government, which dissolved the company
This marked a significant shift in governance.
What were the key terms of the Government of India Act (1858)?
- EIC’s territories passed to the Queen
- Creation of Secretary of State for India
- Appointment of an Indian Council of 15 members
- Crown appointed a Viceroy
- Indian Civil Service under Secretary of State
These changes centralized power under the British Crown.
How was India administered from 1858?
- Viceroy ruled with a legislative council
- Provincial governors represented the Viceroy
- District Officers oversaw local councils
- Senior posts in the Indian Civil Service were predominantly held by whites
This structure maintained British authority while incorporating limited local governance.
True or False: The Queen became Empress of India in January 1877.
True
This title signified the British Crown’s authority over India.
What changes were made to the defense of India after 1858?
- EIC’s armies under Crown control
- Increased British troops ratio
- Regiments mixed to prevent unity
- Greater number of Gurkhas and Sikhs enlisted
- Indian troops denied officer rankings
- Introduction of armored gun trains
- Garrison built in major cities
These measures were taken to prevent rebellion and ensure British dominance.
What were the economic threats to the British Empire between 1870-1890?
- High duties from industrial rivals
- Economic depression starting in the 1870s
- Failing profits and unemployment
These factors threatened Britain’s global trading position.
Why did Germany pose a threat to the British Empire?
- United in 1871
- Powerful military after defeating France
- Sought to acquire its own empire
- Expansion in SW Africa threatened Cape Colony
Germany’s ambitions and military strength posed a significant challenge to British interests.
What was the French threat to the British Empire?
- Recovery from political upheaval
- Naval building program
- Expansion in Indo-China and Africa
- Desire to regain prestige post-Franco-Prussian War
France’s ambitions in Africa and Asia threatened British colonial interests.
Fill in the blank: The British East India Company’s rule in India lasted until _____.
1858
This year marked a significant shift in governance.
What was the role of bilingual Indians in the British administration of India?
They were recruited as low-level clerks to act as intermediaries between the British elite and the native population
This recruitment was part of a strategy to manage local governance.
What did Russia plan to conquer that threatened British interests in Egypt and the Suez Canal?
Parts of the Ottoman Empire, particularly the Turkish states and Constantinople
Russia’s victory over Turkey in the 1877-8 war heightened British concerns.
What was one of the responses of Britain to Russian expansion in the late 19th century?
Annexation of territory in Malaya from 1874
This was a reaction to French activity in Indo-China.
In what year did Britain invade Afghanistan to establish control over the Amir?
1878
This invasion effectively set up a British protectorate, reducing Russian influence.
What was the main focus of the Brussels Conference held in 1876?
To protect Belgian interests in the Congo and highlight available land in Africa
It drew attention to the competition among European powers for African territories.
What did the General Act of the Berlin Conference establish regarding European claims to land in Africa?
The principle of ‘effective occupation’
A European power could assert a claim to land that was ‘effectively’ occupied.
What was the outcome of the Berlin Conference for indigenous populations in Africa?
No African representation and little regard for their concerns
The conference focused on European interests and territorial claims.
What characterized Britain’s ‘informal empire’?
Areas influenced by Britain without legal claim, often through economic means
This allowed Britain to exert power globally without the costs of direct governance.
How did Britain influence the Sultanate of Zanzibar in East Africa?
Through the activities of trader John Kirk
A British government was established, making the Sultan’s first minister British.
What was the significance of the Treaty of Gandamak for Britain in Afghanistan?
Secured strategic territorial gains and control over Afghanistan’s foreign policy
This was a result of the threat of a full invasion in 1879.
Fill in the blank: By 1900, _______ of Africa was in European hands.
90%
The Berlin Conference triggered a scramble for territory across Africa.
What was the impact of British investment in Argentina during the late 19th century?
Construction of hundreds of miles of railways and strong influence on business
British citizens lived an elite lifestyle in Buenos Aires, importing goods like mutton and beef.
