2.2 - Imperial and Colonial Policy Flashcards
What was the Colonial Office’s main concern regarding governors?
To select the governors, draw up their instructions, and watch them carefully for infringements.
How was the Raj administered?
British officials in London had unrestrained power until 1909 when representative government was introduced at the provincial level.
Who was in charge of the Raj administration?
The Viceroy, backed by the almost all white, Oxbridge, Indian Civil Service.
What was the policy of ‘divide and rule’ in India?
It emphasized divisions of race, language, religion, caste, occupation, and region to assert Britain’s moral authority.
What reforms did Viceroy Curzon introduce?
Reforms included founding the Imperial Cadet Corps, reforming universities and police, lowering taxes, and setting up departments for commerce and agriculture.
What was the outcome of the Partition of Bengal in 1905?
It led to uproar among the Hindu elite, boycotts of British goods, and the formation of the All Indian Muslim League.
What did the Indian Councils Act of 1909 achieve?
Enabled 27 Indians to be elected from provincial constituencies to assist the Viceroy in law-making.
What was a significant action taken by Viceroy Hardinge in 1911?
Moved the Indian capital from Calcutta to Delhi and reunited Bengal.
What characterised the administration arrangement in Egypt before WWI?
It was a ‘veiled protectorate’ with British advisors overseeing government affairs.
What agreement did Britain and France sign in 1904 regarding Egypt?
Entente Cordiale
The agreement involved the French recognizing Britain’s special rights in Egypt in exchange for British recognition of French control over Morocco.
Who was Evelyn Baring and what was his role in Egypt?
British Consul-General in Egypt and advisor to the Khedive from 1883-1907
What belief did Baring hold regarding British authority in Egypt?
Essential for reform
How did Baring address Khedive Isma’il’s debt?
Made cutbacks to military and bureaucracy, improved economy through irrigation schemes
What was the impact of Baring’s economic policies on Egypt’s exports?
Exports of cotton and sugar treble
What significant project did Baring oversee in Egypt?
Construction of the Aswan Dam
What were the consequences of the Aswan Dam’s construction?
Doubled crop area but added to people’s workload
How many British troops were stationed in Egypt to protect interests?
6000 British troops
What was Baring’s approach to education in Egypt?
Limited to a few years of elementary schooling due to being wary of raising expectations leading to nationalism
Which company became Egypt’s largest employer in tourism?
Thomas Cook & Son
Who generally benefitted from the changes in Egypt during this period?
The Egyptian upper classes
What nationalist party was founded in Egypt in 1881?
al-Ḥizb al Waṭanῑ
What event caused significant unrest and nationalist sentiment in 1906?
Denshawai Incident
What were the consequences for the villagers involved in the Denshawai Incident?
52 arrested, four convicted of murder, severe sentences
Who succeeded Baring as Consul-General in Egypt?
Sir Eldon Gorst
What measures did Gorst take to weaken the nationalist party?
Brought more Egyptians into government positions and imposed tighter censorship
What was Kitchener’s role during 1911-1914 in Egypt?
Tried to curb nationalist sentiment and increased British dominance
What happened in November 1914 regarding British rule in Egypt?
Britain declared a protectorate over Egypt
The Khedive was deposed and replaced by Kamel.
Which white settler colonies achieved self-government?
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
What was Britain’s stance towards white settler colonies regarding loyalty?
Britain trusted these areas to remain loyal and there was no need to dominate them with British officials.
What aspects of governance were self-governing colonies still subject to British control?
- Defence
- International commerce
- Foreign affairs
What was the nature of Britain’s control over self-governing Dominions?
Control was largely symbolic since Britain was not responsible for administration or costs.
How did Britain maintain control in many parts of the Empire?
Britain worked alongside local ‘elite’ ruling classes to make British control possible.
What was the consequence for natives who cooperated with the British?
Many natives became wealthy and secure, sometimes at the expense of their own people.
What was the primary military concern for Britain during the Boer War?
The army was regarded as of secondary importance.
What major threat emerged from Russia towards the Raj?
Russia moved 300,000 troops near Afghanistan.
What was the ‘Entente Cordiale’ signed in 1904?
An agreement between Britain and France to work together on friendly terms.
What was the ‘triple Entente’ formed by Britain?
An agreement with France and Russia regarding spheres of influence.
What event in July 1914 led to the outbreak of war?
The assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne.
Which nations did Britain support against Germany and Austria-Hungary in 1914?
France and Russia.
What did the war challenge regarding European empires?
It challenged the legitimacy of European empires and hinted at a desire for national self-determination.
