2.4 - Attitudes to Empire - Role and Influence of Individuals Flashcards
What position did Joseph Chamberlain turn down to become Colonial Secretary?
Chancellor of the Exchequer and Home Secretary
What was Chamberlain’s belief regarding the Empire?
Effective use of the Empire could sustain British prosperity and prestige
What did Chamberlain propose at the colonial conferences in 1897 and 1902?
An imperial defence and customs union for the self-governing white colonies
What did Chamberlain believe would benefit Britain and reduce unemployment?
Imperial preference
What major campaign did Chamberlain conduct?
Tariff reform and imperial preference
What was Chamberlain’s view on colonial development?
He was a strong advocate and promoted government investment in less profitable areas
What did Chamberlain say about the British race?
‘The British race is the greatest of the governing races that the world has ever seen’
How was Chamberlain viewed at the beginning of the Boer War?
As a national hero
What significant infrastructure project did Chamberlain initiate?
The building of the Ugandan Railway
What effect did Chamberlain’s idea of colonial preference have on the Conservative party?
It split the party
Who was the Prime Minister of Cape Colony in 1890?
Cecil Rhodes
What was Rhodes’ belief regarding British civilisation?
It was key to the betterment of the world
What did Rhodes aim to create with the railway line from the Cape through Bechuanaland?
A route to ensure British domination of all east-central Africa
What event led to Rhodes’ resignation in 1896?
The Jameson Raid
What did Rhodes’ fortune help promote after his death?
Empire and the Round Table imperial pressure group
Who appointed Curzon as Viceroy of India?
Lord Salisbury
What did Curzon create in response to Russian expansion?
The North West frontier province
What was Curzon’s view on Indian abilities?
He had a low opinion of their abilities
What did Curzon do to improve India’s administration?
Established commissions and legislation
What did Curzon believe would weaken the Raj’s internal enemies?
Dividing the troublesome province of Bengal
Who was the Consul-General in Egypt between 1883-1907?
Evelyn Baring
What was Baring’s view on Islamic society?
It was detrimental to modern Egypt
What major incident led to Baring’s resignation in 1906?
The Denshawai Incident
Who was Alfred Milner?
An ardent imperialist and administrator in Egypt and Southern Africa
What did Milner demand for Uitlanders in the Transvaal?
Full citizenship rights after 5 years of residence
What was Milner’s role in the Boer War?
He took Britain into the war
What type of schools did Milner found in Southern Africa?
English-Speaking ‘Milner Schools’
What labor solution did Milner use due to worker shortages in the mines?
Chinese labourers (coolies) on 3-year contracts
What was the public opinion regarding the treatment of Chinese coolies?
Outrage due to their poor treatment
