420: Colonial Policy and Administration 1947-67 Flashcards
Why was the Empire regarded as being so important to Britain after 1947?
- The empire was thought to be the key to re-establishing Britain’s status as a great power.
- Empire and commonwealth was, in 1947, still more important than trade with Europe.
- Aim was for the Empire to make a profit to benefit Britain.
What is the 1947-67 era of British colonialism sometimes referred to as?
- ‘Economic Colonialism’
- A ‘second colonial occupation’
What was the new wider focus of colonial administrators?
Raising colonial production and modernising the economics of colonies.
Why was there an increased focus in stopping insurgents 1947-67?
- To protect British control and make sure decolonisation was on British terms not radicals.
- Big focus on communists to combat the spread of communism, especially Russia’s power.
Why was there a shift away from native collaboration in some places?
To allow for British rulers to implement ‘proactive’ economic reform.
Where are 3 examples of tribal leaders having power removed in this period?
- Kenya
- Rhodesia
- Malay (sultans removed)
Why is this era often described as a second colonial occupation?
Britain brought in new waves of settlers, experts, and specialists to up economic production post war.
Summarise 3 of the administrative changes that followed the end of WW2.
- Greater management by the British, more settlers and heightened pressure to economically and industrially develop colonies.
- Reduced collaboration between traditional leaders and British supervisors.
- Harsher policing of insurgents including communists, as well as of commodities and supplies.
When was the ‘Winds of Change’ speech made? By who?
February 1960
- By Harold Macmillan (PM at the time)
What were the 3 main messages of the Winds of Change speech?
- Africa is moving toward independence like Asia did. There is an ‘Awakening of African national consciousness’
- This nationalism comes from the achievements of western civilizations, especially education.
- Nationalist movements are pushing the balance of power between East and West; and new African nations choosing their commitment will alter the balance.
Which treaty allowed 10,000 British troops to protect Suez canal? What year was it made?
The Anglo-Egyptian treaty, 1936
Which Anglo-Egyptian treaty promised British military withdrawal from the Suez region?
The 1954 Treaty
What did Nasser do in July 1956 which angered the British?
Nationalised the Suez Canal Company
What did the British do in response to Nasser nationalising the Suez Canal Company?
- Began diplomatic talks to reverse it.
- Also began discussing military action with the French.
What had Eden decided by October 1956 in response to the Suez’s nationalisation?
To remove Nasser.
What plan was created by the British and the French in relation to the Suez region? What would happen?
‘the Protocol of Sevres’
- Israel would invade Egypt on 29th October. Britain and France would publicly condemn this and invade the canal zone 2 days later to defend the Suez.
What happened in response to carrying out ‘the Protocol of Sevres’?
- Egyptians put up a solid defence, blocking the Canal.
- USA were not notified of the actions and immediately condemned the attack.
- Britain announced a ceasefire within 5 days.
- UN troops moved in to clear the canal and restore peace.
What did Anthony Eden do as a result of the Suez crisis? What did this mean for the empire?
Anthony Eden resigned as Prime Minister.
- Macmillan succeeded him, who increased the pace of decolonisation and restored ‘special relationship’ with the USA.
What did the Suez crisis mean for the future of Anglo-American relations?
- Macmillan restored the special relationship.
- Britain would never seek to act without the USA’s approval in international matters or their own imperial matters.
What did the Suez crisis signify to the empire?
- Britain no longer had a chance of restoring its independent power status or undergoing an imperial revival.
- Showed Britain would surrender in the face of nationalist movements; independence movements grew in confidence.
- Egypt becomes an inspiration to nationalist movements.
What reforms in Britain followed the Suez crisis?
1957 defence reforms in Britain.
What was the economic impact of the Suez crisis?
Suez crisis and American threats weakened the Sterling.
What was the Anglo-American Mutual Defence Agreement?
Agreement signed in 1958 promising American assistance in Britain’s building of Nuclear Weapons.
What was the cold war (in one sentence) ?
A constant state of tension between the USA and the USSR in a battle for world domination.
What is NATO? Why was it created?
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Founded in 1949 as an organisation linking multiple governments, with an American Supreme Commander.
- Created to provide mutual defence against the Soviet Union.
What was SEATO?
Southeast Asia Treaty Organisation. Founded in 1954 for collective defence of Southeast Asia against communism.
What was the Marshall Plan?
A plan of U.S economic aid to help Europe recover from WW2
What was the Truman Doctrine?
American policy stated by Harry Truman that the U.S would support free people’s
resisting subjugation. Allowed for significant funds to be allocated to these peoples.
What was the EEC? Why was it significant for Britain?
EEC: European Economic Community. Free trade community amongst European countries.
- Britain was originally restricted from joining due to its empire focus, vetoed in 63 and 67.
- But Britain realised it would need good connections with Europe in the future.
When was the Truman Doctrine established? Why is it significant?
1947, the freedom it helped to establish in Turkey and Greece would encourage people of the empire to resist British rule.
When was NATO established?
1949
Why did the USA want Britain in a strong position? How did this help Britain’s imperial goals?
USA wanted Britain in a strong position to fight communism across the world so occasionally allowed Britain’s re-imposition of colonial control.
Why did America encourage stable economic growth in Africa and the Middle East?
To prevent these countries turning to Communism.
When was the marshall plan in effect? How much did it give Britain access to?
1948-52
- $3.3 billion
When was the Korean war? Why did Britain co-operate with the USA?
1950-53
- To Keep USA support to combat nationalism in the empire.
When was SEATO created? What does it show?
1954
- Shows acknowledgement of USA’s defensive power.
Why was it becoming increasingly evident that Britain was not as useful to its colonies for defence as it used to be?
Dominions were turning to the USA for defence and protection.
When does Britain announce its withdrawal from military bases in South East Asia? Why is this significant?
1968
- It’s an acknowledgment that Britain is no longer a ‘world policeman’.
What is the general significance of the Commonwealth post WW2?
The Commonwealth becomes a way to keep ties with former colonies without any cost.
What change is made to commonwealth membership in 1949? What influenced this?
Membership now allows a greater range of regimes such as republics.
- Influenced by Nehru’s decision to make India a republic.
The commonwealth was a ‘free ………….. ‘
free association of independent member nations.
What were two things Commonwealth members had to support?
‘rule of law’ and ‘British values of democracy’.
