British Empire

Question 1

“The sun never sets on the British empire”

Answer 1

At it’s peak: 1/5 of the land surface + 1/4 of the world’s population
Ca. 1920s

Question 2

Making of empire factors

Answer 2

• geographical position
• long tradition as seafaring nation
• modern war fleet
• establishment of trading links and acquisition of new territories
• powerful monarch: Elizabeth 1.

Question 3

Making of empire reasons

Answer 3

• economic interest: self-sufficiency (econimic independence)
• colonies provided Britain with metals, raw materials and conventional markets to sell their manufactured goods

Question 4

Shaping of the empire

Answer 4

• exploration and discovery
• establishment of trading posts
• emigration and settlement

Question 5

Exploration and discovery

Answer 5

• John Cabot: Newfoundland (1497)
• Francis Drake: sailed around the world (1577- 81)
• Sir Walter Raleigh: founded Virginia (1607)
• James Cook: Australia and New Zealand (1770)

Question 6

Establishment of trading posts

Answer 6

• the Crown chartered trading companies which could settle in overseas countries with land grants:
• East India Company (1600)
• London (Virginia) Company (1606)

Question 7

Emigraion and settlement

Answer 7

• at first: no massive emigration / Britain dominated the sea and established trading posts without controlling the interior of the country (India)
• then: emigration to North America because of religious struggles in Britain (Anglian church <-> Catholics, Puritans, Quakers, etc)

Question 8

The first empire

Answer 8

Possessions in: the west indian archipelago, Canada, India, Europe –> were acquired in wars with Spain and France

Principal part: colonies in Noth America (2 Millon colonists, 3 Territories: New England / the middle colonies around NY / the southern colonies)

The end: 7 years wars (1756-1763) > England needed money > Boston Tea Party > War of Independence

Question 9

The second empire (the Victorian Empire)

Answer 9

• existing were enlarged
• policy of securing the sea route to India was established = 2nd pillar of empire
• Inia / far East: exported cotton, spices, tea + imported cloth and cotton goods
• 19th century: colonial policy developed into policy of imperialism > focused not only on economy but also an political, military and strategic advantages
• within one century: Empire enlarged by means of discovery, conquest, purchase
  (the whole Indian subcontinent / Canada, Australia, New Zealand = Britain’s main colonies of settlement / one third of Africa)
• British spoke of “white man’s burden” and mission to bring Christianity and civilisation to natives
• imperialism linked to the concept of social and moral supremarcy of the whites

Question 10

Second Empire colonies

Answer 10

• Cape Colony 1795
• Union of South Africa 1902
• Malta 1800
• Australia 1813
• Singapore 1809
• New Zealand 1838
• Hongkong 1841
• Nigeria 1873
• Suez Canal 1875
• Rhodesia 1891

Question 11

Second Empire 20th century

Answer 11

Most colonies gained independence: - quite late were India and Uganda (1947) ; Rhodesia (1980)
-last colony was Hongkong (handed back to China 1997)

The end of the British Empire but legacy is still alive (English as world language + UK still tides with most of its former colonies)

Question 12

Commonwealth

Answer 12

• set up in 1931 (Commonwealth of nations)
• since 1949 just Commonwealth
• association of 56 independent nations, which were former British colonies
  links: - British monarch = head of Commonwealth
• language
• agree to work together towards world peace, trade, health, education, defence of democracy + human rights
• cultural an sport events (Commonwealth games)
• Commonwealth conference: every 2 years / heads of government meet
• Commonwealth day: 2nd Monday in March (in many member countries)