310: Expansion and Contraction 1914-1947 Flashcards
What involvement did the White dominions have in WW1?
- Large numbers of volunteers.
- Vital suppliers (especially Canada).
- Gallipoli (Anzacs), Vimy Ridge (Canadians).
- South African defence force formed.
- 136,000 South African troops fought for Britain.
What was the impact of WW1 on the White dominions?
Boosted the confidence and self-worth of dominions; promoting a desire for independence.
What was the involvement of India in WW1?
- Huge impact early in the war, Indian soldiers made up 1/3 of troops in France, September 1914.
- Seen as less ‘successful’ record than White dominions.
- Government contributed over £100 million to the war effort.
What was the impact of WW1 on India?
In 1917, India was promised a ‘more responsible’ level of self-government. (Increased self-worth)
What was the involvement of British African colonies in WW1?
- 1.2 million Egyptians recruited for defending Egypt and the Middle East.
- 100,000 Egyptian soldiers fought in Europe, where 50% died.
- Black Africans recruited as labourers in Europe.
- 1 million Black Africans also hired as porters to serve in Tanganyika, 100,000 died.
What was the effect of WW1 on African colonies?
- 1914, Egypt is made a protectorate.
- WW1 was a formative experience for African independence movements.
- The first pan-African congress was held in France, 1919.
How much land, and how many subjects did Britain gain as a result of the League of Nations mandates?
13 million subjects.
1.8 million square miles.
Name 4 regions mandated to Britain in 1919/20?
Palestine, Iraq (Mesopotamia), Transjordan, Tanganyika.
What was the significance of the LON mandates for the dominions?
Some dominions gained their own mandates.
What’s the difference between the 3 categories of mandate?
- A: Quite developed, independence viable soon.
- B: Much longer period of guidance before independence is considered.
- C: Independence is not considered feasible.
What colonies gained independence in the interwar years?
- Irish Free State,
- Egypt.
- Iraq.
When was Egypt granted independence, why did it not seem like full independence?
1922, but troops remained in Suez region
When was Iraq granted independence?
1932
When was the Irish Free State granted independence?
1937
What was the impact of WW2 on British South East Asia?
- Japanese invasion ended the myth of ‘white invincibility’ giving confidence to independence movements.
- Britain lost its military base in Singapore.
- Aung Sang led the Burma Independence Army against the British.
What was the impact of WW2 on British North Africa?
- Major battleground with turning point at the battle of El Alamein.
- Egyptians and Palestinians saw an opportunity of British weakness.
What was the impact of WW2 on British India?
- Many nationalists supported the British war effort.
- But, 30,000 Indian troops captured by the Japanese joined the Indian National Army (INA) -> fought against the British.
- In 1942, India promised full dominion status.
- Gandhi launched the Quit India campaign -> arrested.
What were some short term impacts of WW2 on Britain?
- Severely weakened economic position.
- First majority Labour government under Clement Attlee.
- More likely to question the morality of the empire.
What did the 1919 government of india act do? What was it paired with?
- Allowed limited self governance.
- PAired with rowlatt act.
What was the Rowlatt act? Why was it paired with the 1919 government of India act?
- Allowed British authorities to arrest anyone protesting British rule.
- Rowlatt act was added to weaken demand for faster change.
What is an example of a protest following the 1919 Government of India act?
Amritsar massacre, 1919
When were the round table conferences (roughly)?
1930s
When were the two government of india acts of this period?
1919
1935
What did the 1935 government of India act do?
Increased franchise and increased role of elected provincial governments.
