3.1 - Expansion and Contraction of Empire Flashcards
What declaration did Britain make in 1914 regarding the Empire?
Britain declared war on behalf of the whole Empire
This included mobilizing resources and troops from various dominions.
How many men from India volunteered to fight in WW1?
1.4 million
This was part of the significant contributions from Empire subjects.
What was the role of the Empire in supplying Britain during WW1?
The empire supplied vital raw materials and food which played a major part in the British victory in 1918.
What was established in 1917 to include colonial leaders in decision-making?
The Imperial War Cabinet
It symbolized the union of the British Empire in war but was dominated by Britain.
Who became Prime Minister in 1916 and increased the use of Empire resources?
David Lloyd George
What did Leo Amery state was the paramount aim of his country’s war policy?
‘The defence and welfare of the British Empire’
True or False: The evacuation of Gallipoli was seen as a victory for the British Empire.
False
It was a humiliation as a Turkish army defeated a predominantly white one.
What significant contribution did Canada make to Britain’s war efforts?
Canada supplied 1/3 of the munitions used by the British in France 1917-18 and wheat.
What was the attitude of the white dominions towards conscription?
They had the final say on conscription; it was introduced in New Zealand in 1916 and Canada in 1917.
What was the outcome of the Australian referendums on conscription?
The Australians rejected conscription in two referendums in October 1916 and December 1917.
What did the experience of WW1 promote in the dominions?
A desire for independence and control.
What was the Indian army’s state at the beginning of WW1?
The Indian army and its senior officers were physically and mentally unprepared to fight a modern European war.
What did the Secretary of State for India promise in response to India’s contribution to the war?
More ‘responsible’ self-government for India in August 1917.
Fill in the blank: Egypt was turned into a ________ in 1914.
Protectorate
How many Egyptian troops fought in Europe during WW1?
100,000
50% of these troops were killed.
What was the impact of the campaigns in Africa on local populations?
Death through famine and disease of 10% of the estimated million porters and laborers employed.
What significant event occurred in 1919 reflecting African voices?
The first Pan-African Congress was held in France.
What did West Indian volunteers experience during the Palestine campaign?
They endured racial slights which left them humiliated and angry.
What did black and brown men discover as a result of their experiences during the war?
New worlds and ideas, leading them to question their position within the empire.
What did the Treaty of Versailles (1919) do regarding Germany’s colonies?
Stripped Germany of its former colonies
This was part of the post-World War I arrangements.
What were the League of Nations Mandates?
Territories administered by the League of Nations after WWI, originally ex-German colonies and Ottoman provinces
Britain dominated the League due to American isolation.
What was the Sykes-Picot agreement?
A 1916 agreement defining the boundaries of British and French empires in the Middle East
It planned the division of the Ottoman Empire’s possessions.
What were the three categories of Mandates defined by the League of Nations?
- Category A: Territories ready for independence
- Category B: Territories needing longer guidance
- Category C: Territories not considered ready for independence
Examples include Palestine (Category A) and Samoa (Category C).
What justification did Britain use for retaining control over former colonies?
They claimed the colonies were politically and economically underdeveloped and needed guidance
This was used to maintain their global dominance.
What strategic reasons did Britain have for acquiring Palestine?
- Main overland route to India
- Proximity to the Suez Canal
These factors were crucial for maintaining British imperial interests.
What was the Balfour Declaration of 1917?
A letter expressing British support for a ‘national homeland’ for Jews in Palestine
It led to conflicts between Jews and Arabs in Palestine.
What was the outcome of the Anglo-Irish Treaty (1921)?
Creation of the Irish Free State with Dominion Status, but the King remained Head of State
The treaty partitioned six northern counties from the new state.
What was the significance of the Irish Free State’s establishment?
It demonstrated that violent uprisings could lead to independence from Britain
It inspired other colonies to seek independence.
When was Iraq granted independence from Britain?
In 1932 under King Feisal I
Britain maintained close economic and military ties after independence.
What were the benefits of the mandates in the Middle East to Britain?
- Strategic position regarding India
- Rich in oil resources
- Helped restrain Indian nationalism
These benefits were essential for British imperial interests.
What burdens did the mandates in the Middle East present to Britain?
- Required policing of Arab-Jewish conflicts
- Resentment towards British imperialism
The mandates led to ongoing tensions in the region.
What was the economic impact of World War I on Britain?
Britain was economically weakened and forced to sell many overseas investments
The war costs outweighed the economic benefits of empire.
What did the Royal Navy’s strength indicate after WWI?
Britain had forty-two capital ships compared to the rest of the world’s total of forty-four
However, this naval supremacy could not guarantee security.
What was the role of T.E. Lawrence during World War I?
He assisted Arab rebellions against Ottoman rule and became known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’
His involvement complicated British mandates in the region.
What did the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty (1936) stipulate?
British troops withdrew to defend only the Suez Canal Zone
It allowed for a limited number of troops in Egypt.
Fill in the blank: The Irish Free State was renamed _______ in 1937.
Eire
True or False: The Royal Air Force provided effective methods of policing large areas after WWI.
True
What was the main reason for Britain’s interest in Mesopotamia (Iraq)?
It was oil-rich
This was a significant economic factor for Britain.
What did Britain retain in Iraq after its independence?
- Air bases in the country
- Right of transit for forces
- Monopoly on oil exploration and production
These ties ensured British influence remained strong.
What major theatres of war did the Empire participate in during WWII?
South East Asia and Northern Africa
The Empire was a significant battleground during the Second World War.
What demand arose from the colonies after WWII?
Greater autonomy
The involvement of the colonies in the war led to new demands for autonomy.
How was the Empire viewed by the end of the 1930s?
A strategic and military burden
It was seen as stretching Britain’s resources too thinly.
How many troops did dominions and colonies contribute to WWII?
5 million troops
Half of these troops were from India.
Who declared war on India’s behalf during WWII?
Viceroy Lord Linlithgow
He did so without consulting Indian leaders.
How many Indians volunteered to fight in WWII?
2.5 million Indians
Despite some opposition to the war, many contributed to the war effort.
What was the stance of Gandhi regarding the war?
Opposed any support for the war
He was a pacifist and did not support the war effort.
What did the Congress Party demand in relation to WWII?
Immediate independence for India
They refused to support the war effort unless independence was granted first.
What major event occurred in Singapore in February 1942?
Britain lost its main military base
This led to the largest surrender of British troops in history.
What was the outcome of the Cripps Mission to India?
Congress leaders rejected the offer of independence after the war
They wanted immediate full independence.
What was the ‘Quit India’ campaign?
A movement calling for an end to British rule in India
It began after the Cripps visit and led to arrests of Congress leaders.
What was the impact of Japanese conquests in South East Asia?
It ended the myth of ‘white invincibility’
This boosted independence movements in the region.
Who led the Indian National Army (INA)?
Subhas Chandra Bose
The INA aimed to rid India and Asia of British rule.
What was the consequence of the famine in Bengal during WWII?
Raised doubts over the British Raj’s ability to govern
The famine may have killed 3-4 million people.
What was a significant battle in North Africa during WWII?
Battle of El Alamein
This battle occurred in November 1942 and was crucial for British forces.
What political consciousness developed among Africans during WWII?
Political and national consciousness
This was influenced by contacts with other peoples.
What was the position of Britain regarding the empire after WWII?
Leaders saw no reason to abandon the empire
Despite the costs of post-war recovery.
What was the economic condition of Britain post-WWII?
Severely weakened
Destruction during the war cost nearly 1/4 of its wealth.
What was the significance of the Labour government elected in 1945?
More skeptical about the empire
Reflected people’s desire for social reform.
Which two major powers were anti-imperialist after WWII?
America and the Soviet Union
Their opposition influenced Britain’s imperial policies.
What was the Atlantic Charter?
A declaration of Anglo-American principles
It pledged to respect the right of all peoples to choose their government.
What was one of the aims of the American alliance for Britain?
Support during and after the war
This was crucial against threats from Japan, Italy, Germany, and later Russia.
What did the Government of India Act 1919 allow?
A limited system of self-government for India based on the sharing of powers between Indian ministers and the British Viceroy
What was the British concern regarding the Government of India Act 1919?
That these reforms would strengthen nationalist aspirations
What strategy did the British adopt in response to Indian nationalism?
A ‘twin track’ strategy combining reforms with a stern response to mass resistance
What did the Rowlatt Act of 1919 enable the authorities to do?
Arrest and imprison anyone who protested against British rule
What tragic event resulted from the Rowlatt Act?
The Amritsar massacre of April 1919
How many demonstrators were killed during the Amritsar massacre?
379 killed and 1200 injured
Who led a non-violent, non-cooperation movement from 1919 to 1922?
Gandhi
What did Lord Irwin acknowledge in 1929 regarding India?
A British desire to see India achieve dominion status
What was a significant outcome of the Government of India Act of 1935?
Increased the number of Indians eligible to vote and strengthened elected provincial assemblies
What was the primary demand of the All India Muslim League?
A separate Muslim state of Pakistan
What was the Hindu Congress movement’s goal?
A united Indian state
What did Gandhi preach regarding Hindu-Muslim relations?
Hindu-Muslim unity
What was the response of the British to the divisions between Hindus and Muslims?
They favored the Muslim League, suggesting divisions proved the necessity of continued British rule
What did the nationalists do in 1939 regarding their protests?
Suspended protests and supported the British war effort
What significant campaign did Gandhi launch in October 1940?
A civil-disobedience campaign
How many protesters were imprisoned during Gandhi’s civil-disobedience campaign?
14,000 in 6 months
What was the Quit India movement?
A call for the British to leave India entirely launched in August 1942
What was a consequence of British defeats in South East Asia in 1942?
The Hindu Congress demanded immediate reforms
What did the British policy of repression during civil disobedience entail?
Imprisoning Congress leaders and placing the Congress under a ban
What did Churchill promise to the Indians in March 1942?
Full Dominion status
What was the outcome of the elections of 1945-6?
A triumph for the Muslim League highlighting the extent of polarization
Why did the Labour government decide to withdraw from India in 1947?
It was no longer desirable or feasible to keep India
What did the Labour government fear regarding their control over India?
Widespread violent resistance that would stretch military resources
What economic reason contributed to Britain’s decision to withdraw from India?
India was no longer a great market for British cotton exports
What was the deadline set for Indian independence?
By 15 August 1947
What was the partition plan decided in April/May 1947?
To grant independence for Pakistan and India
What was the immediate consequence of the partition of India?
Escalation of violence between Muslims and Hindus
How many people died in the violence following the partition?
At least 1 million
