1890-1914: Trade and commerce

Question 1

What was the general consensus about the empire in Britain

Answer 1

That the empire made Br wealthy

Question 2

Statistics of empire economically

Answer 2

More imports and exports from countries outside of the empire
1897, tropical Africa only had 1.2% of Br exports
Canada supplied 10% of Br beef
1894, Br imported 64 million hundredweight of wheat. Mainly to non empire countries

Question 3

What happened to the Imperial Federation League

Answer 3

Established in 1884 to promote closer colonial bonds was disbanded in 1893 due to waning interest

Question 4

What did the facts of the empire economically lead to

Answer 4

Many anti-imperialists would argue that the empire only helped the middle class then it did them. It was also to blame for Br being behind in modernising.

Question 5

Why were Br behind in modernising

Answer 5

Compared to countries like Fr, Russia and Gr. Br still relied on rubber imports while they would synthetically create their own by 1910. This was due to poor investment and productivity. Due to the empire as well as the fact of maintaining a huge navy

Question 6

What did Joseph Chamberlain believe

Answer 6

Pro-imperialist who hosted 1902 London Colonial conference to discuss closer economic ties. To argue for imperial preference.

Question 7

What was imperial preference

Answer 7

Idea that there would be free trade within the empire but from non-colonial countries there would be tariffs.

Question 8

Why was Joseph Chamberlain’s imperial preference rejected

Answer 8

They were met with resistance as many industries had interests with free trade rather than having only focussed on inside the empire. Arguing that Br wealth came from free trade rather than mercantilism.

Question 9

When was it seen Joseph Chamberlain’s idea was rejected

Answer 9

In the 1906 general election as voters would choose the Liberal party who wanted free trade.

Question 10

What had Br colonies done regarding trade

Answer 10

Colonies like Australia, New Zealand had inserted tariffs on imports choosing to focus their national interest over loyalty to Br.

Canada had made trading agreements with other European powers

In India many Br goods were being boycotted as swadeshi movement wanted to undermine the Raj