1890-1914: Imperial and colonial policy Flashcards
Who controlled foreign affairs in Br
The Colonial Office, Foreign office as well as Indian Office for India
Who were the Viceroys of India
1888-94 = Marquess of Lansdowne
1894-99 = Earl of Elgin
1899-1905 = Curzon
1905-1910 = Earl of Minto
1910-16 = Lord Hardinge
How did Br rule India
Using the Indian Civil Service as well as divide and conquer between the educated elite and poor.
What was Viceroy Curzon rule like
He was mindful of Indian demands and criticism from ‘middle class’ Indians who formed the INC in 1885. Resigned in 1905 after partition of Bengal
Curzon socio-economic reforms
Curzon made changes such as Adapting gold standard
Appoint special commission to streamline administrative procedures Moved railway to its own board (adding 6000 miles of track) Appoint director general of archaeology
Splitting of Bengal 1905 <— unpopular as Hindus become minority
Curzon defence of India
Shaped by a perceived threat of Russia expansion. Created North-West Frontier in 1901, by merging Afghanistan with Punjab. Chief commissioner hired allowing buffer zone along Afghan frontier.
Direct Br troops to push frontier to Chinese Sinkiang and in 1903-04 invaded Tibet
What did Minto rule like
He was left to deal with failure of Curzon plans. Got help from John Morley, Secretary of State for India. Reforms in 1909 to appease Bengalis
What were the Morley-Minto reforms
Indian Councils Act of 1909 enabled where 27 Indians to be elected from provincial constituencies. Though elections held on narrow franchise and often chosen by Br. Allowed for more Indian participation in government.
Morley replaced in 1910 by Hardinge
What did Viceroy Hardinge do
He used King George V visit to India in 1911 as an opportunity to reunite Bengal in 1911. Moved Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi (Muslim stronghold) to undermine Hindu groups.
What did George V have in India
A durbar in 1911 to show power and pageantry to support the loyalty of Indian princely ruler. He declared war on India’s behalf in 1914. Indians population used in WW1 and Indian service raised hopes of a ‘new deal’ for India after the war.
What was Egypt
A veiled protectorate
When and what was the Aswan Dam
A dam built to hold back the Nile. Took 6 years to build at £2 million. Opened in 1902 allowing for crops to grow due to irrigation.
3 (Cs) difficulties facing Br
Capitulations: Rules that privileged foreigners exempting them from Muslim-made laws.
Caisse de la dette: International commission had control over Egypt finances. So an example being them refusing financing to re-conquer Sudan.
Mixed Courts: Eu and Egyptian judges deal with cases involving both Eu and Egyptians. So not favour Br.
What happened with the Fr
The Fashoda incident (1898). But in 1904 sign the Entente meaning Br get Egypt in return for Fr having Morocco
Who was Evelyn Baring
British Consul-General who acted as ‘adviser’ to Khedive 1883-1907. His job was to regularise Egypt financial affairs.
To help pay off debt Baring cutback military while revitalised economy by investing in irrigation schemes. Also improve labourers and sanitation + health services.
He also reform army by putting Br troops and put in care of Kitchener.
What formed in Egypt to oppose Br rule
A National Party who complained that Br gave lack of opportunities for educated Egyptians to home rule. So (al-Hizb-al-Watani) formed in 1881 revived in 1883 as underground movement.
What happened in the Denshawai incident
In 1906 there was a clash between Br and Egyptian villagers. As Br officer was pigeon-shooting.
Pigeon were bred so villagers asked them to stop. A scuffle began and an officers’ gun went off and wounded the wife of Muslim prayer leader.
This would start a chase where the Br officer would collapse and die of the heat.
The Br blamed the Egyptian villagers brutally punished them
Who succeeded Baring
1907-11 it was Eldon Gorst who try to make Egyptians more responsible in government to weaken National party. Also made tighter censorship of press 1909. German funded anti-British sentiment
Who succeeded Gorst
After it was Kitchener in 1911-14. He was the hero of reconquering the Sudan. Tried to uncover the Nationalist groups stirring up trouble. Br dominance grew. And new Legislative Assembly replaced Advisory Council of Laws + General Assembly. Included the rich landowners then ordinary folks of Egypt
What was Br native policy
It was more reactive based on time and circumstances. With self-government in colonies seen.
Examples of Br native policy
Canada, Australia (1901), Newfoundland and New Zealand (1907). SA untied in 1910
Another native policy example
Another method used was to befriends one group against another such as in BEA where Masai favoured over the Kikuyu.
What happened to Br splendid isolation
Due to the 2nd Boer war Br realised it needed allies and that it was losing its 2 power standard.
What alliances were happening during this time
Germany + Austria-Hungary
France + Russia
What alliance did Br make
1902 alliance with Japan marking end of spendid isolation. They also allied with Russia and Fr with ‘Triple Entente’ in 1907
What happened with the Moroccan crisis
After Gr leader Kaiser threatened Fr interest in Morocco claiming it was theirs, Br showed its resolve by urging the Fr to fight for their land. And so in 1911 prepared their Navy to threaten the Germans
