2.1 - Consolidation and Expansion of the British Empire in Africa Flashcards
What was the British approach to their Empire in the 1880s?
The Empire was largely bases for strategic or trading purposes
What changed in British imperial attitudes from 1890?
Imperial attitudes became more supportive of formal intervention, influenced by the press and the election of the conservative party in 1895
What was the significance of the Berlin Conference (1884-1885) for colonization?
Established ground rules for colonisation, allowing claims of effective occupation
What was the outcome of the Anglo-Ashanti War?
Britain conquered Ashantiland in 1896, incorporating it into the Gold Coast colony
What was the role of the Ugandan Railway in British East Africa?
Consolidated Britain’s formal takeover, linking colonies and facilitating trade
What was the outcome of King Mwanga’s actions in Uganda?
He executed 30 missionaries, provoking a civil war and leading to British control
The British East Africa Company acquired trade and administration powers, which were later transferred to the Crown.
What happened during the short war in Zanzibar in 1896?
A naval bombardment forced Sultan Khalid to step down after he refused to relinquish power
This incident lasted only 38 minutes and reinforced British control over Zanzibar.
What was the strategic importance of Somaliland for Britain?
It defended the Red Sea and the Suez Canal route, checking French and Italian ambitions
The British protectorates were expanded to provide _______ to pre-existing ports, markets, or resources.
security
True or False: By 20 years after the Berlin Conference, 90% of land in Africa remained outside European control.
False
Only 10% of land remained outside European control.
What was the situation in the Sudan by 1895?
The area was weakened due to the Mahdist revolt, internal resistance fighters, disease, and famine.
The Mahdist revolt began in 1881 and led to the death of General Gordon at Khartoum in 1885.
Why did Britain decide to invade the Sudan?
Concerns over Egyptian stability, French and German expansion, and the need to secure the Nile for agriculture and British interests.
Salisbury accepted Egypt as a permanent responsibility by 1889.
What treaty did Salisbury sign in 1890?
A treaty with the Germans agreeing that they would take Tanganyika while the British took Kenya and Uganda.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Omdurman?
Kitchener’s forces killed 11,000 Dervish with fewer than fifty British/Egyptian dead, illustrating the technological gap
What was the Fashoda Incident of 1898?
A standoff between British and French forces at Fashoda, where Kitchener tactfully handled the situation, leading to French withdrawal
How was Sudan governed after the British conquest?
Sudan was governed as Anglo-Egyptian Sudan under a condominium arrangement, administered by the British with Egyptian support.
Lord Kitchener was the first Governor-General.
How did Britain establish control over Nyasaland?
Control was established in 1891 after overcoming Portuguese-backed Arab attacks and guerrilla warfare continued until 1897
What was the Jameson Raid?
A raid launched on the Transvaal from British Rhodesia by Dr. Jameson on Rhodes’ orders
What were the initial conditions of the Jameson Raid?
The plan was meant to be secret but was poorly executed due to too many people knowing and constant changes by Rhodes
How many mounted police were involved in the Jameson Raid?
500 mounted police
What was the outcome of the Jameson Raid?
Jameson’s forces were easily defeated and he surrendered after just 4 days
What was a significant consequence of the Jameson Raid?
It discredited the British government and increased Boer resistance
What happened to Jameson and his companions after the raid?
Jameson and 12 companions were imprisoned
What was the ‘Afrikaner Bond’?
An anti-British group formed by Boers in the Cape Colony to show solidarity with their fellow Boers in the Transvaal
What was the Second Boer War?
A conflict from 1899 to 1902 between the British Empire and the Boer republics
Who was Joseph Chamberlain and what was his stance on the Second Boer War?
Joseph Chamberlain wanted to avoid war but supported it to maintain British influence
What led to the outbreak of the Second Boer War?
Breakdown of negotiations and the Boer invasion of British territory in 1899
What military strategy did Kitchener employ during the Second Boer War?
The blockhouse system and concentration camps
What were the conditions like in the concentration camps?
Appalling hygiene with many deaths from disease
How did public awareness of concentration camp conditions change?
Emily Hobhouse made the conditions public, leading to efforts to improve them
What was the Peace of Vereeniging?
The agreement that ended the Second Boer War in 1902
What did the Boer republics acknowledge in the Peace of Vereeniging?
They acknowledged themselves as British subjects
When was responsible self-government granted to the Boer republics?
In 1905
What significant political change occurred in 1910 in South Africa?
The establishment of the Union of South Africa as a single British Dominion territory
Fill in the blank: Joseph Chamberlain wanted to avoid war if possible but was not prepared to accept any weakening of British influence so supported _______.
war
True or False: The British Army was initially successful in the Second Boer War.
False
What was the cost of the British military effort in the Second Boer War?
£230 million
How many imperial troops did the British pour into the Second Boer War?
Nearly 400,000
