Consolidation and Expansion in Africa 1890-1914 Flashcards
What is a condominium?
A state where there is joint control over affairs by other states, e.g. Sudan was a condominium of Britain and Egypt from 1899.
Who were the Asante/Ashanti (2)?
1) An ethnic group, who once held a large empire along the Gulf of Guinea.
2) They fought five wars against Britain in the years 1823-1900, and strongly resisted European attempts to conquer them.
What 2 West African colonies did Britain add to her Empire in the years 1890-1914?
1) Ashantiland (1900) - incorporated into Gold Coast in 1902.
2) Nigeria (1914), joining together the Northern and Southern Nigerian protectorates.
How did Britain annex Ashantiland (4)?
1) Britain demanded the Asante King, Prempeh, to turn the remainder of his Empire to Britain as a protectorate.
2) Prempeh refused, triggering a fourth Anglo-Asante War, ending in a British victory and a removal of Prempeh from the throne in 1896.
3) A final Asante uprising in 1900 led to the formal annexation of Ashantiland in 1901.
4) Ashantiland was incorporated into the Gold Coast Colony in 1902.
When was Ashantiland annexed into the Gold Coast Colony?
1902.
How did Britain gain control of Nigeria (4) 1885-1914?
1) Britain was able to claim Nigeria through ‘effective occupation’, due to the Royal Niger Company’s presence, in 1885.
2) An agreement with the French in 1890, recognised the French claim to Madagascar, in exchange for French recognition of British Nigeria.
3) The British government took over the responsibilities of the Royal Niger Company, establishing direct British control in the North in 1900, and the South in 1906.
4) Nigeria was unified in 1914.
When was Nigeria unified?
1914.
When did Britain establish direct control of (1) northern Nigeria, and (2), southern Nigeria?
1) North: 1900.
2) South: 1906.
What 3 East African territories did Britain add to her Empire 1890-1914?
1) Zanzibar (1890).
2) Uganda (1894).
3) Sudan (1899).
How did Britain gain control of Zanzibar (5)?
1) In 1890, Britain and Germany signed a treaty establishing spheres of influence in East Africa. Zanzibar was ceded to Britain.
2) Britain declared Zanzibar a protectorate in 1890, installing their own puppet Sultan, Sultan Hamad.
3) After Hamad’s mysterious death in 1896, and the ascension of his cousin, Khalid, without British consent, Britain ordered Khalid to stand down.
4) Khalid refused to stand down, resulting in a British naval bombardment of the palace, with around 500 killed. This was the shortest war in history, lasting 38 minutes.
5) Khalid was overthrown, and Sultan Hamud was instated.
What is Buganda?
A state within Uganda, established by the Bugandan peoples.
How did Britain gain control of Uganda (5)?
1) In the 19th century, missionaries had converted many Bugandans to Christianity. In an attempt to assert his authority, King Mwanga executed 30 Catholics and Protestants (1885-87).
2) This started a civil war, and Mwanga fled.
3) Mwanga promised to hand over some sovereignty to the Imperial British East Africa Company, in exchange for British backing. He was restored to power in 1889.
4) Mwanga signed a treaty with Lord Lugard, ceding powers over revenue, trade, and the administration of justice to the IBEAC.
5) These powers were transferred to the Crown in 1894, and Buganda became a protectorate, as a part of Uganda.
When did Uganda become a British protectorate?
1894.
When and why did Britain construct the Uganda Railway, and where did it run from and to?
1) Constructed 1896-1901.
2) It started from Mombasa, running to the highlands near Lake Victoria.
3) This consolidated British control over the East Africa Protectorate and Uganda, linking the colonies with one another, as well as with the Indian Ocean.
How long was the Uganda Railway?
660 miles.
What were the 3 main costs of the Uganda Railway?
1) It took 5 years to build.
2) It cost around £5 million.
3) It cost the live of around 2500 labourers.
What were the 7 benefits of the Uganda Railway to the British?
1) Enabled access to new markets.
2) Encouraged colonial settlement.
3) Facilitated the exports of tea and coffee.
4) Protected the source of the Nile from potential enemies.
5) Promoted British tourism, especially safari tours.
6) Helped to end the Arab-run East African slave trade.
7) Consolidated control in East Africa.
What was the Tsavo incident?
When between 35-100 rail workers were attacked and eaten by 2 lions whilst working on the Uganda Railway.
Why was Britain interested in Kenya?
It offered a route from the coast to Uganda. This interest can be dated back to the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, where it was partitioned into Britain’s sphere of influence.
How did Britain gain control of Kenya (3)?
1) Britain used the dispute between the indigenous Mazrui and the Muslims to force their control, wanting to safeguard trade in Uganda and Zanzibar, after the bankruptcy of the IBEAC.
2) Sheikh Mbaruk took up arms against Britain, supplied by Germany. Britain was victorious after 9 months.
3) Sheikh Mbaruk fled, and Kenya became a part of Britain’s East Africa Protectorate of 1895, with Kenya officially becoming a colony in 1920.