2. Imperial Consolidation And Liberal Rule c.1890-1914 - Consolidation And Expansion Of The British Empire In Africa Flashcards
What had British policy in Africa been like up until the 1880s?
They had largely established bases for their strategic value or for the purpose of trade. This involved reacting to the initiatives of other powers e.g. matching settlement with France and Germany. Private chartered companies had been used to occupy and administer territory however there had been cases of direct intervention in Egypt and South Africa
How did British policy and position changed from the 1890s?
- The conservative government elected in 1895 wanted to uphold British position all over the world. British imperialism took on a less haphazard appearance, British protectorates were expanded for better security, Britain expanded interests and possessions via the domino effect
What did the Berlin conference 1884-85 mean for imperial powers?
They had to show evidence of their ‘effective occupation’ of African territories in order to gain a formal colony
The extent of British expansion in Africa, 1890-1914 examples:
Sierra Leone was acquired in 1808 however a protectorate was established in 1896, Nyasaland was acquired in 1891 however British South Africa company rule was replaced by a protectorate in 1907, Southern Nigeria was acquired in 1884 and the Royal Nigeria Company rule converted into a British colony in 1906
What does the occupation of these territories by chartered companies show?
Evidence of ‘effective occupation’ on behalf of Britain meant control was too formal because the costs for companies were unsustainable
What were key British expansions in West Africa?
Ashantiland and Nigeria
How did Britain gain control of Ashantiland?
After the king, Prempeh refused British control , it led to a fourth Anglo-Asante war in which Britain conquered Asante territory and force Prempeh from his throne in 1896 - Britain’s formal annexation meant Ashantiland was incorporated into the gold coast colony in 1892
How did Britain gain control of Nigeria?
An 1890 agreement with the French meant they recognised British dominance of Nigeria in return for their claim to Madagascar. The British gov took responsibility of the RNC and established direct British control in 1900 and 1906
What were key British expansions in East Africa?
Zanzibar, Uganda, Sudan, Kenya, Somaliland
How did Britain gain control of Zanzibar?
In 1890, Britain and Germany signed a treaty establishing spheres of influence in East Africa. Britain soon declared Zanzibar as part of its protectorate in 1890 after it was ceded into British influence
What were the challenges when gaining control of Zanzibar?
After the mysterious death of sultan Ahmad in 1896 and the accession of his cousin khalid without Britain’s blessing, there was a confrontation. Khalid mounted a naval bomardment of sultan’s palace
What was the outcome of Khalid’s bombardment?
He was defeated in 38 minutes, 500 were killed and he was overthrown. The pro British sultan Hamid was placed on the throne and he ruled for 6 years
How did Britain gain control of Uganda?
Why were Britain interested in Kenya?
As a result of the Berlin conference, Kenya was placed into the British sphere of influence in east Africa. They saw it as useful territory due to its route from the coast to Uganda.
How did Britain try and gain control of Kenya?
They made use of a succession dispute between the indigenous Mazuri and the Muslim majority to try and force their control as the BEAC was bankrupt and they were also prompted by the desire to safeguard lucrative trade in Uganda and Zanzibar
