3.5 - Imperialist Ideas Flashcards
How did the British public feel about the Empire from 1914 to 1947?
Very few questioned the Empire’s importance. It was seen as a sign of Britain’s prestige and economic prosperity.
What was the perception of the Empire’s role in World War I?
The Empire was seen as key to Britain’s victory in WW1.
What was the public perception of Gandhi’s visit to Britain in the 1930s?
Some people were impressed by Gandhi.
How did the British public generally view the Empire?
Most saw the Empire as benevolent, justifying repression to maintain control.
Why did people not vote for the Labour party in 1945?
Primarily due to domestic issues, not support for Indian independence.
What was the public sentiment regarding the loss of India in 1947?
People lamented the loss and did not support the ultimate dissolution of the British Empire.
What was the Labour Party’s belief regarding the remaining colonies?
They believed the remaining colonies were key to Britain’s recovery and future prosperity.
How did the message of the British Empire change post-World War I?
Explicit jingoism lost its attraction; the Empire was presented as a family of nations led by Britain.
What was the public knowledge about dominions and colonies in 1948?
3/4 of the population did not know the difference between a dominion and a colony.
What was the role of the Empire Marketing Board established in 1926?
Promoted consumption of Empire-produced items in Britain through advertising.
What was the significance of the Wembley Exhibition of 1924?
It showcased the Empire, attracting over 17 million visitors, and was partly government-funded.
How did the BBC promote the Empire?
Covered major imperial events and provided Christmas broadcasts including imperial content.
What was the educational focus regarding the Empire in schools?
The Empire was a focal point for geography, history, and literature teachings.
How did cinema contribute to the promotion of the Empire?
Feature films used the Empire as a backdrop for adventure, promoting excitement and British character.
What role did music play in promoting the Empire?
Composers created works that celebrated imperial themes, such as Edward Elgar’s compositions.
How did commercial advertising promote the Empire?
Imperial motifs were used in advertising, especially by large traders with the Empire.
What informal links did emigration and missionaries create regarding the Empire?
Many had relatives in the colonies, creating direct connections to the Empire.
What was the purpose of Empire Day?
To create a sense of belonging to the family of nations under the same monarch.
How did service in the armed forces shape British attitudes towards the Empire?
Troops serving across the Empire fostered support and a desire to protect it.
What was the impact of pro-imperial propaganda on public perception?
There was considerable propaganda, but it did not necessarily prove widespread influence.
How did social class affect attitudes towards the Empire?
Affluent classes may have had family in colonial service, while many working-class people found it irrelevant.
What was one way the working class in Britain was influenced by imperial ideas?
Experience of fighting in the empire during the wars
The working class’s direct involvement in wars connected to the empire heightened their awareness and influence of imperial ideas.
What role did the press and books play in influencing the working class?
Increased literacy rates because of the education act
The education act contributed to higher literacy, allowing the working class to engage more with imperial content.
Fill in the blank: The working class was concerned with _______ issues such as work.
bread and butter
‘Bread and butter’ issues refer to basic economic needs and social reforms that were prioritized over imperial concerns.
What media was influential among the middle class regarding imperial ideas?
Radio, BBC
The BBC and radio broadcasts were significant in disseminating information about the empire to the middle class.
What educational aspect influenced the middle class’s perception of the empire?
They organised the education curriculum
The middle class had a role in shaping educational content that included imperial perspectives.
True or False: The Great Depression had no impact on the middle class’s view of imperialism.
False
The Great Depression was an international development that affected middle-class interests, possibly diverting attention from imperial concerns.
What was one way the upper class engaged with the empire?
Travel to the empire – flights
The upper class utilized travel opportunities to connect personally with the empire.
What was a common concern for women in relation to imperial ideas?
Domestic day to day concerns
Women’s focus on everyday issues often overshadowed imperial interests, despite their roles in buying for the co-operative wholesale movement.
Fill in the blank: The formation of _______ in 1924 provided flying boat trips to parts of the empire.
Imperial Airways
Imperial Airways facilitated travel for those with connections to the empire, primarily benefiting the upper-middle class.
What sports became ways to celebrate the empire?
Cricket and Rugby
These sports had significant followings in the empire and were used to foster competitive connections.
What collectible became popular among children related to the empire?
Postage stamps
Children collected stamps from the empire, which often celebrated events or figures connected to imperial history.
What event led to public excitement in May 1920 related to aviation?
Two South Africans flew from Cairo to Cape Town
This adventurous flight was significant in showcasing the capabilities of long-distance air travel.
What was the significance of Empire Day for different sections of British society?
A day to celebrate the empire
Empire Day was observed by various social groups, promoting imperial sentiments across different classes.
What was the impact of the war and depression on the working class’s interest in imperial ideas?
More important than imperial concerns
The immediate social and economic challenges faced by the working class took precedence over imperial influences.
What was the role of exhibitions in promoting imperial ideas?
Accessible to all, but more likely to engage the middle and upper classes
Exhibitions served as a platform for promoting imperial culture, attracting those with greater resources.
Fill in the blank: The economic strength of Britain influenced the _______ class’s perception of the empire.
middle
Economic factors were a key consideration for the middle class when forming views on imperialism.
