attitudes towards imperialism in Britain (imperial dev) Flashcards
What idea did social darwinism promote?
That races are competing/compete for dominance
Which form of foreign display reinforced the belief of racial superiority?
The exhibitions, such as the great exhibitions o ‘51 and ‘62. The international exhibition in South Kensington had 28000 exhibitioners from 36 countries
When were human zoos displayed?
1877 & 1886
In what period was Disraeli Prime Minister?
‘74-‘80
Prior to the scramble for africa, what was the prevailing narrative on the Empire?
All parties were pretty much ambivalent, Disraeli, who would become an ardent imperialist, calls Empire a ‘millstone’ around British necks in 1872, and Gladstone promises to abstain from territorial acquisition head on.
What changes the prevalent perspective on Empire?
1870s European competition
What changed the electoral dynamics in this period?
1867 & 1884 Reform Acts extend the vote and make the public more politically aware. Also 1870 Education Act increases national literacy rates.
When do the press first show their efficacy in stoking national opinion in India and on Empire?
Cawnpore massacre (massacre of British people during the rebellion), but the savagery of the retaliation not mentioned
What led to Gladstone’s intervention in Egypt following the Egyptian revolt to be so widely supported?
Sensationalist reporting
What was the Boys’ Brigade?
Established in 1885, did military training and reinforced imperial values
When was the Scout movement established, and by whom?
Robert Baden-Powell, who had participated in Ndebele territory invasion in the 1890s, begins the scout movement in 1907.
What imperialist writings became popular in this period?
Writings of H. Rider Haggard, and the Boys’ Own Paper from 1879
What actions did Gladstone undertake in the time of his rule in South Africa?
Small skirmishes, didn’t commit enough troops to establish hegemony in South Africa.
What led Gladstone to change course?
His hand was forced by the Berlin Conference?
What did Gladstone criticise?
Disraeli’s imperial campaigns.
When did the Conservatives lose the election?
April 1880
When did the Conservatives win their first election since 1841, and how did they do it?
1874, after Disraeli declares them the party of Empire, a strategy for winning following enlarged 1867 Reform Act. Strategy also used later by Lord Salisbury
What did Disreali buy in 1875?
£4 million wort of Suez shares
What did Disraeli achieve in terms of foreign policy?
Made Afghanistan a client state and the Queen Empress of India.
