Anti-Imperialism Flashcards
How did American Indepedence in 1776 contribute to anti-imperalism?
Despite losing direct control of America, Britain’s trade with America continued to expand and benefit the nation. This showed how economic prosperity did not require an empire and all the administrative difficulties that came with that.
How did the Indian Rebellion of 1857 contribute to anti-imperalism?
It prompted a re-think of the empire since it showed that Britain was going to struggle to maintain hold of the colonies (since they would rebel). It also caused some to believe that certain peoples could not be westernised and hence there was no point trying to.
What was the role of the Maori Wars (1860s) in promoting anti-imperialism?
The conflict between the settlers and indigenous peoples led to death of imperial forces and highlighted the difficulties in being able to govern a conquered nation.
What concept did the Morant Bay rebellion in 1865 (Jamaica) reinforce?
The idea that some populations could not be anglicised
What did William Gladstone (colonial secretary) say in regards to the British incapacity to peacefully rule its colonies?
There are “people to reduce to order whom we have not been able to keep in friendly relations”
Who viewed the colonies as “milstones around our necks” that “will be independent too in a few years”?
Benjamin Disraeli (1852)
Who said that as a result of possessing an empire, there were many “questions in so many deparments of government to manage”?
William Gladstone (1846)
Which historian recognised that the retention of colonies “imposed heavy burdens on the mother country”?
Bodelson (1924)
What did Palmerston famously say about trade and land?
“All I want is trade and land is not necessary for trade; we can carry on commerce very well on ground belonging to other people”
Whose book sought to challenge the theory of mercantilism with free trade? Who developed his theory?
Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations (1776)
David Ricardo
When was the Economist set up? What was its aim?
1843 - to promote free trade ideals
What was Cobden’s view on trade in Britain? (Cobden was a leading economist in the 19th century)
He believed that trade was a “grand panacea” and that Britain would continue to attract trade without an empire so long as it offered an economic incentive. No amount of force (as present in an empire) would truly be able to counter the forces of the market (which would lead consumers to buy the cheapest quality goods)
The abolition of what in 1846 showed the strength of the free trade argument?
The Corn Laws
What were the navigation acts and when were they abolished?
Laws which insisted that all empire goods must be transported on empire ships. Abolished in 1849.
When did Nova Scotia and Canada receive responsible government? Prince Edward Island? Newfoundland? New Brunswick?
Nova Scotia and Canada - 1848
Prince Edward Island - 1851
Newfoundland - 1854
New Brunswick - 1855
What was Earl Grey’s recommendation about Britain’s military in 1846?
That most if the forces should be located in England rather than in the colonies. Settler colonies should provide for themselves.
Due to anti-imperialism and free trade budgets, how much had Britain’s trade with the world increased from 1840 - 1860?
Tripled
What were Britain’s main exports and imports? What does this show?
85% of exports were finished manufactered goods
65% of imports were raw materials
Showed the inter-dependency of Britain with the world for a functioning economic system (the empire did not suffice to provide/create such stability)
What did the House of Commons Select Committee Report from 1865 advise?
To not extend any more territory in West Africa or assume government there.
When did troops begin leaving New Zealand? By when had they all gone?
In 1864 (4 years into the Maori wars) They are all withdrawn by 1870
Which two places received responsible government in 1860?
New Zealand and Western Australia
When did the Cape Colony start developing representative institutions?
1870
What was the pertinent line in an Article from the Edinburgh Review of 1835 about the colony of Canada?
“Can any man give me one way in which Canada is useful for Britain?”
List all the countries who came under British control between 1841-71, showing how this perhaps wasn’t an age of anti-imperialism
New Zealand, the Gold Coast, Labuan, Natal, Hong Kong, Punjab, Sind, Berar, Oudh, Lower Burma, Lagos, Sierre Leone, Basutoland, Griqualand, Transvaal and Kowloon
What did Gallagher and Robinson argue shows that Britain is imperial in the 19th century despite territory concessions?
The presence of the informal empire
Ie. Britain exerts political control over states by virtue of the fact that these states are economically dependent on them. This included places such as South Africa.
What do Gallagher and Robinson argue is the mantra of the Official Mind?
Informal empire where possible, formal empire where necessary
The Official Mind ie. politicians in Britain will always strive for British superiority and control
What do Gallagher and Robinson argue drives the expansion of the formal empire?
Crisis at the periphery: rebellions/unrest, the challenge of other developed nations or a man on the spot
It is not driven by the politicians as they always seek British superiority regardless
