7. Relations with Indigenous People in Africa and the Middle East Flashcards
Reason for countrywide revolution in Egypt by Egyptians and Sudanese in 1919
Countrywide revolution against the British occupation because the British exiled prominent nationalist leaders and opposing party members
What happened during the Egyptian revolution of 1919?
Widespread civil disobedience
Rioting
Demonstrations
Strikes involving all classes of society
Attacks of military bases, civilian facilities and personnel, where villages were burnt down and railways destroyed
Egyptian casualties of the 1919 Egyptian revolution
800 Egyptians killed
1600 wounded
Result of the 1919 Egyptian revolution
The Milner Report - Egypt granted independence in 1922 however British troops still remained in key places like the Suez area
When did tensions in Palestine escalate?
In the 1930s as more Jews, fleeing Nazism, entered the country
Palestine conflict until Britain’s departure
Arab protest mounted and inter-racial violence increased as the Jews formed the Haganah (underground military group)
More militant Jewish nationalists formed secretly units
By 1945 the conflict between the Arabs and Jews was out of Britain’s control and they departed in 1947
Haganah
Jewish underground military group formed during the conflict with the Arabs in Palestine
Ireland and the issues of the Home Rule Bill by 1914
Before the war, the British government was already facing the prospect of civil war in Ireland where the divided between Protestants and Catholics was threatening the wreck the bill
Home Rule Bill had to be suspended for the duration of the war due to conflict as both sides armed themselves
Sinn Fein
A pro-independence organisation formed in Ireland
Attitudes in Ireland towards the delay of the Home Rule
In 1919, the frustrations caused by the delays led members of Sinn Fein to establish an Irish assembly in Dublin
They declared the Irish Republic and their IRA began a guerrilla war against the British
Result of the conflict in 1919 following the delay of Home Rule in Ireland
1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty - created the Irish Free State as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire
7 reasons why it was difficult for African nationalism to develop prior to WW2
Tribal politics (internal problems)
Less educated population
Less urban populations / poorer communities
Less political representation
Widespread collaboration of chiefs and local rulers
British policies undermined nationalism, making populations believe the British might improve things
Limited economic development
Why was the National Congress for West Africa created?
Started by a group of political activists in 1919 to promoted political representation of Africans which had been limited
Why was the National Congress for West Africa frustrated in 1920?
Congress demands for greater representation were initially ignored
Some concessions were granted but the nationalists were outnumbered by appointed African chiefs
Why did support for African nationalism grow in the 1930s?
Spread of education
What was WASU?
West African Student’s Union formed in 1925
Helped bring together students from various West African countries studying in London
Campaigned against racism in British and for independence in West Africa
Influence of WASA
Inspired greater radicalism among its members and acted as a training ground for future West African politicians
Examples of members of WASA
Azikiwe
Nkrumah
Why did WW2 accelerate nationalism in West Africa?
Brought faster economic developments in West African colonies because Britain relied on its raw materials for the war effort as Britain no longer had access to its Asian colonies
Organisation founded in 1921 that tried to push for more representation and oppose white rule over East Africa
East African Association
Impact of WW2 on Kenyan nationalism
More reliance on trade with Kenya during war, led to urbanisation and opportunity to oppose British rule
Why is it difficult to define a cultural identity?
Subjective term
Aims of British colonisers
They were supposedly on a civilising mission to try to improve and develop the areas of the empire for their benefit and the benefit of the indigenous people
What did British colonisers force upon the indigenous people?
British ideals - religion, cultural and social factors
British economic demands
In what ways were colonised peoples not always the passive victims?
Some people collaborated with British rule in the hope of benefitting from new opportunities
People in areas that had enjoyed economic growth and prosperity tended to see the British positively
How did British rule actually create nationalist consciousness?
It was British coloniser’s keenness to extend Western education and develop economics which helped to create the nationalist consciousness
Some British actions increased nationalism (E.g. Amritsar Massacre)
5 ways the colonies were loyal to Britain
Huge sense of loyalty and pride among those who were part of the empire
Strong attachment to British institutions and the crown
Coronation of George VI in 1937 widely celebrated across empire
Empire Day
Millions of people listened to / watching the King’s Christmas message
Ways in which British subjects were loyal and committed to the British Empire
Widespread support during the 2 world wars
Lots of empire’s economies were tied closely to Britain’s meaning that they needed to be committed to it
Important culturally to place in the empire
Ways in which British subjects were opposed to the British Empire?
Political pressure for reform and political separation
Violent/active resistance from nationalist groups
Ireland refused to defend the British Empire during WW2
