2.7 Consolidation And Expansion Of British Empire In Africa Flashcards
What changed with British policy in Africa from 1890
It became more assertive
Why had Britain colonised parts of Africa in the past?
-strategic or trade purposes
-claiming an area British traders had already established themselves
-reacting to initiatives of other powers (Germany or France)
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How did Britain control areas of land pre 1890?
Through chartered companies
Why did Britain’s aim in Africa turn to expansionism?
The conservative government elected in 1900 was determined to uphold Britain’s position in every part of the world(brought wars, threats of wars and ambitious plans to consolidate empire)
-Britain’s protectorates we’re expanded to provide security to pre-existing ports, markets and new territories
What ground rules were established at the Berlin conference 1884-85?
Imperial powers had to show evidence of ‘effective occupation’ of African territories
(Emphasising both their administration and defence) in order to claim them as a formal colony
What % of African land was owned by Africans at the time of the Berlin conference and 20 years later
At the time of the conference 80%
20 years later 10%
What is a condominium?
The joint control of state affairs from other states
When was Sierra Leone established as a protectorate?
1896
When was Ashantiland incorporated into the Gold Coast colony?
1902
When was the British union of South Africa created?
1902
When was Sudan a condominium of Britain and Egypt?
1899
When was the Royal Niger company converted into the British colony of Nigeria?
1906 in southern Nigeria
1900 in northern Nigeria
When was the British east Africa company replaced with a formal protectorate?
1895
When were southern and northern Rhodiesia established into the British South Africa company?
1901 for southern
1911 for northern
Describe the ‘peripheral theory of imperialism’?
Idea that Britain was pulled into Africa by local crises or events which threatened its interests and credibility
How did British expansionism occur?
Through a mixture of treaties, intimidation and aggression
This was driven by regional disorder or perceived threats
Who were the Asante?
Ethnic group who once possessed a large empire across the Gulf of Guinea
-strongly resisted attempts by Europeans to conquer them
Had 5 wars with British from 1823-1900
What was Ashantiland added to?
Colonies of Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast (area penetrated by Goldie’s Royal Niger company
How did the British gain control of Ashantiland?
Was continued resistance form the Asante so Britain demanded the King Prempeh hand over the remainder of his empire, he refused
Britain conquered the Asante and the 4th Anglo-Asante war and forced King Prempeh from his throne
How were Britain able to gain control of Nigeria?
By virtue of their occupation and 1890 agreement with the French who agreed to recognise the British claim in return for Britain recognising the French claim of Madagascar
How did Britain gain control of Zanzibar?
1890 Britain and Germany establish a treaty that gave Britain a sphere of influence over Zanzibar and Germany over Tunisia
-Britain implement a puppet sultan
-revolt that last 38 minutes when sultan is mysteriously killed, Britain regain control
