4.5 - Post Colonial Ties Flashcards
How did Britain maintain political influence in its former colonies?
Parliments, ministers and British style legal systems were legacies of the Empire
Colonial Minsters remain as advisors
What role did the Commonwealth play in maintaining political ties with the colonies?
Emphasis on shared political tradition and regular Commonwealth Conferences
Where and when were Common Wealth Conferences?
All but one conferences were held in London every 2 years reinforcing the view that Britain dominated the CW
How did the Commonwealth bolster Britain’s international position?
Provided a strong diplomatic network and ensured Britain’s membership in key international bodies (UN Security Council)
Why was it significant that the Commonwealth was not a military alliance?
The Commonwealth had no formal commitment to Britain.
In what ways did the Commonwealth strengthen British military power?
Britain maintained a military with a ‘global reach’ and recruited citizens from Commonwealth nations.
Where did Britain maintain military bases post-independence?
Malta, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Singapore.
How did National Service (1939-1960) help maintain ties with the Empire/Commonwealth?
Men required to do National Service encountered the Empire through late colonial wars
What significant event in 1952 related to the Commonwealth’s financial links to Britain?
Major Commonwealth Economic Conference.
What was the significance of the City of London in the context of post-colonial ties?
It remained one of the world’s major financial centres.
How did trade with the Commonwealth benefit Britain?
Provided important trading links and supported multi-national companies
Particularly significant due to Britain’s exclusion from the EEC until 1973.
Why did British people migrate to Commonwealth countries post-war?
War experience, continued rationing, and demand for labour in countries like Australia and Canada.
How significant was migration from Britain to the Dominions between 1946 and 1957?
Approximately 1 million people left Britain, intensifying personal contacts with the Dominions.
Where were most immigrants to Britain coming from by 1967?
India, Pakistan, and Ceylon.
How did migration strengthen post-colonial ties?
Facilitated direct contact between British people and those from the ex-Empire.
What roles did the Monarch play in maintaining relations with former colonies?
Symbol of the Commonwealth, regular visits, meetings with Heads of Government, and annual Christmas Day message.
In what ways did Britain remain culturally connected with its former colonies?
Commonwealth citizens eligible for British honours, anglicised names, neo-Gothic churches, and variants of English.
What was a tradition during the last night of the proms?
Using patriotic British music.
What was a significant cultural connection maintained through sports?
Sporting competitions like rugby and cricket, and the Commonwealth Games.
What were 3 examples of Imperial Royal Honours still awarded to people from the Empire?
British Empire Medal, MBEs, OBEs.
What was migration to Britain from the empire like before 1947?
Relatively small numbers of colonial immigrants since the late 19th Century
Little direct exposure to the Empire for most Britons.
What was the British Nationality Act (1948)?
It recognised the Empire’s contribution to the war and gave full British citizenship, including the right of free entry into Britain and the Commonwealth
What was Empire Windrush?
A steamship carrying 492 Jamaican passengers which arrived in 1948 without prior notification, leading to temporary housing in Clapham. They were the first post-war immigrants to attract media interest.
Why were there recruitment drives in the 1950s to encourage migration to Britain?
The economy recovered post-war, creating plentiful and well-paid unskilled work
The government actively encouraged immigration
