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.
How did the All India Muslim League differ from the Hindu Congress?
All India Muslim League: Founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, favoured separate state of Pakistan.
Hindu Congress: led by Gandhi, wanted united and free india.
When is India promised full dominion status?
Promised in 1942, to come into effect post war.
What does British politics have to do with Indian independence?
New labour government in 1945 no longer wanted control of India.
Why did Britain no longer want India in 1945?
- Labour gov.
- The threat of violent resistance.
- Growing independence movements.
- Indian Army less reliable.
- India was not such a good market for British cotton.
- Holding on was more expensive than losing the connection.
How much debt was Britain in to India in 1945?
£1.3 million
What date was given for independence to be granted by in India and Pakistan?
15 August 1947
Why did Burma’s AFO (anti-fascist organisation) switch to support the British during WW2?
Saw a better chance of independence under the British than the Japanese.
What important action is taken by Lord Mountbatten in 1945 for Burmese indpendence?
Incorporated the Burma National Army (led by Aung Sang) into a new army for the country, giving Aung Sang legitimacy as a post war leader.
What important event happens for Burmese independence in 1946?
Civil disobedience prompts the replacement of the British governor, who in turns makes Aung Sang virtually the leader of the executive council.
What final reason is given by the British for the granting of Burma’s independence?
Britain cannot commit enough troops to rule Burma.
Why was land in the Middle East desirable for the British?
land routes to India, access to the Suez canal, and oil rich areas.
What was the Sykes Picot agreement? What actions did Britain and France take because of it?
- Secret agreement by Britain and France at the beginning of WW1 to divide up the Middle East with no consideration for existing leaders.
- Encourage Arab rebellion against Ottoman leaders.
What was the Balfour declaration? Why was it made?
- A British declaration that promised to support a Jewish homeland in Palestine while ‘respecting the Arab population’.
- Made partly out of sympathy for the Jewish population in Palestine, and partly to win over America.
What was the effect of WW2 on Palestine?
- Increased Jewish immigration into Palestine.
- In 1945, Britain was forced to limit Jewish immigration.
Why did Britain feel such a strong need to protect Jewish settlement post WW2?
To please America, from which Britain needs international and economic support.
Why did Britain need to retain Arab support post WW2?
To retain its access to oil in Arab regions.
What did Britain do with Palestine in 1947?
Britain handed the affair over to a UN commission to maintain good relationships with the Arab world and America.
What territories did Britain gain between 1914-1947?
- Palestine (1919/20)
- Iraq/ Mesopotamia (1919/20)
- Transjordan (1919/20)
- Tanganyika (1919/20)
- Parts of Cameroon and Togo (191
What colonies did Britain lose between 1914-1947?
- Egypt (1922 formally)
- Iraq/Mesopotamia (1932)
- Irish Free State (1937)
- India (1947)
- Palestine (1947)
- Burma (1948)
