Chapter One Flashcards
Britain’s Navy was the most… ?
Powerful navy in the world.
What was ‘colonies of settlement’?
These were colonies that were largely peopled by white settlers from Britain. They gained a form of ‘responsible government’ which mean that had their own government ministers who were answerable to an elected parliament.
What were the Crown Colonies?
Most of these colonies were entirely non-European, so was seen by the British as not fit for ‘responsible government’. These colonies were administered directly by a governor appointed by the British crown. They were mostly developed for trading purposes.
What was the Informal Empire?
These were territories that were influenced by the British even if not directly ruled by them. British traders, backed by the powerful Royal Navy, could exert influence over local rulers through advantageous trading agreements. These were not officially part of the Empire.
What was a protectorate?
An area with its own ruler, but placed under the protection of the British crown which controlled its military and influenced domestic policy through advisers.
What was a settlement?
A loose term to denote an area containing British settlers and under British control.
What was a place that was known to be ‘occupied’?
An area containing British settlers/military force, but not under British control.
What was a Client State?
An area with its own ruler but with strong British influences which restrict the ruler’s independence politically, militarily and economically.
What was Chartered Company Rule?
An area ruled by a trading company with a special licence by the government which gives it political and economic rights.
What was a Veiled Protectorate?
A state controlled by another in an indirect manner.
Why were moral factors a motivator for expansion?
Christian missionaries saw it as their duty to spread their faith among non-Christian peoples. Empire was a force for ‘civilisation’ and ‘enlightenment’ and there was a powerful body of Christian philanthropists.
Why were economic factors a motivator for expansion?
The industrial revolution had made Empire possible. British merchants opened up new roots inland to discover new raw materials which could be used to manufacture a product which could then be sold back to Africa (materials such as rubber, gold, diamonds, ivory and oil). The Empire also provided investment opportunities.
Why were strategic factors a motivator for expansion?
Britain wanted to have global dominance – France and Germany had emerged as a new threat. The loss of the American colonies in the 18th century caused the ‘Swing to the East’. Britain’s coastal interests in west Africa demanded protections so forts were built along the Gold Coast. The Cape Colony in South Africa protected Britain’s sea routes to India and other areas of the Empire.
Why was personal influence/the role of individuals a motivator in expansion?
Merchant-Imperialists such as George Goldie and Cecil Rhodes capitalised on new commodities. Victorian explorers sought and traced the continents waterways, publishing their findings, producing maps and spreading tales of adventure.
Who was General Gordon?
• Colonel Charles Gordon was sent from Britain to act as Governor-General of Egyptian-administrated Sudan, on behalf their ‘puppet’ Khedive Isma’il between 1877 and 1880. He was a military leader.
He was eventually considered to be ‘quite mad’ and a ‘Christian lunatic’ by ministers and officials in London.
