Administrators Flashcards
1
Q
What was the general role of colonial administrators
A
- Empire typically run by ‘Men on the spot’ -> directors, governors, high commissioners and consuls.
- Although governors were appointed by colonial office, had leeway to interpret instructions in their own way.
- Administrators often had contacts and had good links to government which allowed them to persuade the government to take more of an interest in certain areas.
2
Q
List some colonial administrators
A
- Sir Evelyn Baring
- Sir Bartle Frere
- Cecil Rhodes
- George Goldie
3
Q
Explain the role of Sir Evelyn Baring
A
- typical Victorian colonial administrator: hard-working, fair and a believer in liberal reform -> but also believed in British superiority -> condescending to inferiors.
- 1882, became Consul-general of Egypt -> approved Dufferin Report of 1883 -> established an Egypt ‘puppet’ parliament with no power -> this established the ‘veiled protectorate’ in Egypt.
- remained real ruler of Egypt until 1907.
4
Q
Explain the role of Sir Bartle Frere
A
- 1877, appointed the High Comissioner and Governor of the Cape Colony.
- chosen by Lord Carnarvon to carry out planned confederation in the area -> merging British South Africa with the Dutch Republic of the Transvaal.
- Deliberately provoked a war with Zulus who he considered an obstacle to the federation in Dec 1878.
- war ended with British victory -> but shocking defeat of British forces at Isandlwana in Jan 1879 and the high cost of the war led to the reprimand of Frere.
-> denounced for acting recklessly.
