7+8 Flashcards
What was the situation in Britain during the 1890s?
Britain felt threatened by European rivals and was forced to expand resources to resist threats.
This period saw the height of British imperialism.
What characterized Britain’s Empire in the 1890s?
It was the greatest Empire the world had ever seen, with over ten percent of the population being British.
The Empire included more Hindus and Muslims than Christians.
What were the main components that held the British Empire together?
- The monarchy
- The English language
- The British legal system
- British administrators
- The Royal Navy
What did Queen Victoria’s Jubilee procession in 1897 symbolize?
It symbolized Britain’s perceived greatness, but the impression was misleading.
Beneath this display was a sense of vulnerability.
What economic challenges did Britain face in the 1890s?
- Decline in cotton and woollen textile exports
- Overtaken by the USA and Germany in steel production
- Greater imports than exports by the late 1890s
What was Britain’s military situation in the 1890s?
Britain had insufficient armed forces to defend its possessions; the army was small except for the Indian army.
The Royal Navy was also a growing concern.
What was the ‘two-power standard’ established by Britain?
British naval strength should always exceed that of the next two strongest European navies combined.
What diplomatic weaknesses did Britain experience in the 1890s?
Britain had no allies, leading to a sense of diplomatic isolation.
This was considered ‘splendid’ by some, but many statesmen were uneasy.
What were the key threats to the British Empire in the 1890s?
- Economic decline
- Military weakness
- Diplomatic weakness
- Fragility of the Empire
How did the British view their Empire in the 1890s?
Most felt pride in the Empire, believing in the superiority of the British race and the ‘mission’ to civilize others.
Who was Cecil Rhodes and what was his vision for the Empire?
Cecil Rhodes was a key figure in southern Africa who envisioned expanding the Empire across Africa, Latin America, and beyond, including a railway from Cape Town to Cairo.
What was Joseph Chamberlain’s role and vision regarding the Empire?
As Colonial Secretary, he advocated for a cohesive Empire and believed in the necessity of imperial unity against challenges from Germany and the USA.
What was Lord Curzon’s belief about the British Empire?
He believed the Empire needed reform and expansion, advocating for the annexation of Afghanistan, Tibet, Arabia, and Siam.
What was the British public’s general sentiment toward the Empire?
Most derived satisfaction from being part of a successful imperial race and believed in their mission to bring education and peace to ‘lower races’.
What was the significance of the British Empire League established in 1894?
It was created to promote imperial unity among British citizens.
What was the impact of media on British imperialism in the early 20th century?
Popular newspapers like the Daily Mail and Daily Express strongly supported British imperialism.
What were the main challenges Britain faced in Asia during this period?
- The Russian challenge to India
- Threats in Turkey and China
- Competition for trade in China
What was the Boxer Rising of 1900?
A Chinese reaction that threatened to provoke colonial grabs by foreign powers, leading to a joint military response to maintain the Manchu dynasty.
What was Britain’s policy towards Russia in the north-west frontier of India?
British policy was cautious and conciliatory, using buffer states to limit Russian advance.
What was the significance of the battle of Omdurman in 1898?
It was a major victory for Kitchener’s forces, solidifying British control over the Sudan.
What was the outcome of the meeting at Fashoda in 1898?
Kitchener’s army outnumbered Marchand’s, leading to British control of the Upper Nile region.
What was the primary interest of Britain in West Africa during this period?
Commercial interests in tropical products, with no significant strategic importance.
Fill in the blank: The British government recognized Egypt as a _______ responsibility by 1890.
[permanent]
What were the agreed boundaries of Sierra Leone, Gambia, and the Gold Coast in relation to France?
The agreed boundaries favoured France
This indicates the diplomatic negotiations that did not favor British interests.
What was the role of Goldie’s Royal Niger Company?
The Company had a firm claim to a large part of the hinterland and was supported by Britain
Lord Salisbury declared the interests of the Company were Britain’s interests.
What happened to the Royal Niger Company in 1900?
The British government bought out the Company, revoked its charter, and turned its territories into a Crown Colony.
By what year were the West African boundary problems resolved from Britain’s perspective?
1898
What discovery in 1886 made Transvaal the richest nation in southern Africa?
Gold
Who were the Uitlanders?
Immigrants, mainly from Britain, who poured into Transvaal to develop gold mines.
What was the required residency for Uitlanders to apply for naturalisation in Transvaal?
14 years
What pretext did Britain use to interfere in Transvaal?
Kruger’s denial of voting rights to the Uitlanders.
What proposal angered Britain in 1894-1895 regarding Transvaal?
Transvaal proposed building a railway through Portuguese East Africa.
Who was Cecil Rhodes?
A diamond- and gold-mining magnate and Cape Prime Minister, who dreamed of bringing all of Africa under British rule.
What was the outcome of Rhodes’ action in Mashonaland in 1890?
The annexation of territories later known as Southern Rhodesia and Northern Rhodesia.
What is ‘splendid isolation’ in the context of Salisbury’s foreign policy?
The idea that Britain did not need to make binding alliances with any other power.
Who was Joseph Chamberlain?
Colonial Secretary known for his aggressive defence of British imperial interests.
What was the Jameson Raid?
A scheme to seize control of Transvaal led by Dr Jameson in December 1895.
What was the outcome of the Jameson Raid?
Jameson surrendered after a brief skirmish.
What effect did the Jameson Raid have on President Kruger?
It strengthened him and made him more intransigent.
What was the consequence for Salisbury’s government after the Jameson Raid?
It was a deep humiliation.
What military pact was agreed upon by Transvaal and the Orange Free State in 1897?
A military pact for mutual defense.
How did Kruger prepare Transvaal’s army in anticipation of war with Britain?
Equipped it with the best European rifles and artillery.
