Chapter 2 Imperial and colonial policy Flashcards
when was the colonial office established
1801
who was the colonial off. led by
Colonial Secretary (centralised structure)
When was “responsible government” granted to white settler colonies?
1838 Durharm Report
How many people were living in India by 1870
approx 240mn
Government of India Act
Power passed on to the crown
India Council 15 members
Viceroy as executive head
ICS headed by Colonial Secretary
How many independent Princeley States were there
565 ruled by natives
40% of India
When was Germany unified?
1871
France challenging British rule
- lost to Germany wanted to gain “rightful” place
- 1880’s naval upgrading
- established a foothold in South-East Asia 1860’s
- expansion in Africa 1880’s
Russia challenging British rule
- 1884 Russia had expanded its Empire to Afghanistan, threat to India
- naval upgrading
- Trans Siberian Railway 1891
Direct British responds to the international pressure exercised by France
annexations
Malaya 74’
North Borneo 81’
Upper Burma 85’
Brussels Conference
1876 (King Leopold’s initiative)
- Africans are incapable of developing resources themselves, intervention was necessary
- routes to the great lakes need to be developed
- International African assoc. established to coordinate European efforts
- ->heightened competition
Berlin Conference 1884/85
- free trade in the basin of the Congo
- protect missionaries
- “effective occupation”
Berlin Conference 1884/85
- free trade in the basin of the Congo
- protect missionaries
- “effective occupation”
Definition “effective occupation”
European power that had an administration in place and was able to police the territory it claimed, was recognised as the rightful ruler of that territory
Informal Empire
Areas under British influence by either trade agreements or investment
Informal Empire in Latin America?
Chile and Argentina
What was Latin America’s share on the current account of the British in in 1865
10% of Britain’s imports and exports
Examples for treaties securing the informal empire
Treaty of Nanking 1842
Treaty Tientsin 1858
So finally what influenced imperial policy in the years 1857-1890?
International competition - Berlin and Brussels Conf.
Central government - Government of India Act 58’,
Informal Empire - “halfway house”
Changes in international pressure 57-90
European countries expanding their Empires
Mechanisation and Industrialisation
Coherent activities Africa
