British Empire during Inter-War Period Flashcards
Which power threatened Britain’s imperial interests in the far east?
Japan
When did Japan overrun Manchuria, obtaining a vital strategic launch point?
1929-32
When was the naval base at Singapore finished in an attempt to counteract Japanese influence?
1938
What was the limitation of the naval base in Singapore?
It was not strong enough to stand up to the Japanese navy. Japan had signalled in 1936 that it would build a navy to rival Britain and the USA
What was the response to the 1919 Government of India Act?
It was met with mass protest andd Gandhi called for a general strike
What did the periods of un-governability in India lead Viceroy Irwin to announce in 1929? Did this placate opposition?
That Britain would grant India dominion status (i.e. autonomy but constitutional link to the monarchy)
This move did not however placate opposition and Gandhi continued with civil disobedience
What did the 1935 Government of India Act decree? How did the Congress Party respond to this?
That India would have federal states with control of internal affairs. There would be a national parliament but Britain remained superior with responsibility for foreign policy and defence.
Congress Party went and succeeded in many of the elections so as to make representative government unworkable in India as they still wanted full independence
What happened to national interests in the dominions following the war?
They were strengthened
Which British foreign policy was not backed by two dominion states in 1922? Which dominions?
Canada and South Africa - refused to back defending of the Dardanelles and Mustapha Kemal
What was Canada’s first treaty with a foreign power without British reference? When?
1923 - fisheries agreement with America
What was the Balfour Agreement?
1926 - Agreement which stated dominions were autonomous within the empire and equals to Britain i.e. “in no way subordinate”. Emphasised they had a common allegiance to the crown.
What was the 1931 Statute of Westminster?
An act of parliament which established legislative equality between dominions and the UK. This meant Britain could no longer pass laws for them without their consent.
When did nationalist riots and demonstrations begin in Egypt? Why?
March 1919 - when the British didn’t allow them to put forward a case for independence at Versailles
When did Egypt get formal independence, although British troops remained stationed there?
1922
What was the result of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936?
Britain agreed to withdraw troops from Egypt but they were still allowed to defend the Suez Canal zone. Egypt was assisted in joining the League of Nations.
