2.5 - Attitudes towards Imperialism in Britain Flashcards
What was the general attitude of the ruling elites towards the Empire?
Empire was widely accepted among the ruling elites.
What significant political event in 1900 reflected popular support for imperialism?
Conservatives win in the khaki election of 1900.
How did supporters view the moral responsibility of the Empire?
As a burden from God to bring stability, civilisation, and freedom from local oppression.
What was the ultimate goal of liberals regarding the colonies?
Education and improvement of the colonies, with the ultimate purpose of self-rule.
What was the stance of both liberals and the new Labour Party on freedom in relation to the Empire?
Supported freedom through empire rather than freedom from empire.
Who was Lord Salisbury, and what was his view on imperialism?
Conservative PM 3 times and moderate imperialist who believed European rule was important for the advancement of ‘backward races’.
What did Joseph Chamberlain argue regarding the Empire’s role in national crisis?
Only the Empire could solve the national crisis of industrial and military advances of other powers.
What was the Round Table movement founded in 1909 intended to achieve?
To promote a closer union between Britain and its self-governing colonies.
When was Empire Day first officially recognized in Parliament?
In 1916.
Who was John A. Hobson, and what was his view on imperial expansion?
A critic who believed imperial expansion was ‘a capitalist plot’ that benefited a small elite of rich capitalists
What was Emily Hobhouse known for?
Writing reports that led to a government enquiry into conditions in British concentration camps
Questioned Empires civilising mission
What was the general liberal stance on colonial conflict?
Preferred to disassociate from excessive imperialism of the right-wing conservatives.
Who shaped British attitudes towards the Empire before 1914?
Rudyard Kipling (White Mans Burden)
What types of literature were popular during the imperial era?
Tales of military campaigns
Novels about committed colonists
What was the role of the Boy Scouts movement?
Mobilised young people behind imperial themes
What did advertisements during the imperial era frequently utilise?
Imperial themes and connotations.
What event celebrated the military power of Britain in 1897?
Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
What was the significance of the Daily Mail founded by Alfred Harmsworth?
Pioneered cheap, populist newspapers aimed at the lower middle classes
Served news cooked rather than raw
True or False: Most imperialists argued against the economic benefits of Empire.
False.
What was a major concern in Britain after the Boer War?
National Efficiency
The concern arose from the inability to recruit fit soldiers, with many men unfit for active service.
Why was it difficult to recruit soldiers from within Britain during the Boer War?
Many men were not fit for active service due to poor living conditions and diet
What percentage of volunteers were turned away from military service across Britain?
40% due to the poor fitness levels
What was the impact of the 1902 Education Act?
Raised standards and extent of education, leading to 1000 new secondary schools
What significant battleship was launched in 1906?
HMS Dreadnaught
This battleship marked a new phase of naval development to compete with Germany.
