British imperial policy up to 1902 Flashcards
“imperial policy” refers to two main things. What are they?
- Relations between different European powers. 2. Reasons for imperial expansion
When did the Fashoda incident occur?
1898
Which two European countries were involved in the Fashoda incident?
Britain and France
Where is Fashoda?
Sudan
What was the Fashoda incident?
A series of territorial desputes between Britaina and France over control of North African territory.
Why did Britain want to expand past Fashoda?
They wanted to build a railway from the Cape of Good Hope to Cairo.
Why did France want to expand past Fashoda?
They hoped to extend France’s dominion across Central Africa and the Sudan.
How was the Fashoda incident resolved?
They agreed that the watershed of the Nile and the Congo rivers should mark the frontier between their respective spheres of influence.
What did Britain get out of the Fashoda incident?
The British position in Egypt was confirmed.
What did France get out of the Fashoda incident?
France consolidated all their gains west of the watershed of the Nile and Congo rivers.
When was the Fashoda incident ended?
1899
Why did Britain take control of Egypt? (List 3 reasons)
- The Fashoda incident. 2. British control over the Suez Canal 3. British control over the route to India
Why was the Suez Canal so important?
It linked Western Europe to Asia without having to sail around the whole of Africa.
Why was it important for the British to have an easy route to India?
India was a lucrative colony of Britain.
In which year did Britain adopt the two-power standard?
1889
Why did Britain adopt the two-power standard?
Fears over rival naval powers France and Russia.
What was the two-power standard?
A British policy which stated that the strength of the British Navy was to be maintained at a level stronger than the combined strength of Russia and France.
In what year did Britain begin to fear expanding German naval power?
1898
Who was President Paul Kruger?
The president of the Boer republics in South Africa
Who sent the Kruger Telegram?
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Who was Kaiser Wilhelm II?
The emperor of Germany
Why was the Kruger Telegram sent?
Kaiser Wilhelm II sent the telegram congratulating President Paul Kruger on repelling the Jameson Raid.
What was the Jameson raid?
This was a raid carried out by British citizens attempting to overthrow the Boer government and seize the Boer republics.
The Jameson Raid was a success/failure?
Failure
Why did the British feel threatened by the Krugar telegram?
They feared that Germany was forming a friendship with the Boer government which would disadvantage British economic interests in the region.
When was the Anglo-Japanese alliance formed?
1902
Why did Britain form an alliance with Japan?
Due to fear over Russian expansion in the far east.
What was British economic reasons for imperialism?
Industrialists put pressure on the government to colonise parts of African to gain access to resources and new markets.
What was the period of European expansion in Africa called?
The scramble for Africa
Who was Cecil Rhodes?
A British imperialist.
What did Cecil Rhodes want to create?
A Cape to Cairo railway line.
How would the Cape to Cairo railway line benefit Britain?
It would allow them to transport raw materials out of Africa, and bring finished products to sell to Africans.
When was the First Boer War?
1880-1881
When was the Second Boer War?
1899-1902
What are two examples of Britain struggling to maintain control over native populations?
- The Anglo Boer Wars 2. Rebellions in India
How did the size of the British empire impact its navy?
Britain invested a lot in its navy, but because its empire was so large the resources were spread thinly all over the world.
What are two important strategic areas for Britain?
- The Cape of Good Hope 2. The Suez Canal
