Consolidation and expansion of the British Empire in Africa Flashcards
What was the Tory government (elected when?) determined to do?
Elected in 1895, the government was determined to uphold the British position, and brought wars to consolidate the Empire.
What was the difference in local control of Africa between 1885 and 1905?
80% under local rule, then 10%
Somę examples of private companies and small protectorates being consolidated to larger areas?
- Ashantiland -> Gold Coast Colony in 1902
-> Royal Niger Company becomes a colony in 1906, partly because company costs were unsustainable.
What was the main difference that characterised the period following 1890?
They became much more assertive, prior to the ’80s Britain was more strategic in its imperialistm with just strategic trade bases and were often reactionary to rivals. Claimed areas traders had already established civilisation.
What was the justification for expanding protectorates?
Better security for existing ports/markets/resources
Why were the British frustrated with Ashantiland, and what did they do as a result?
They found the resistance of Asante people to GB rule frustrating, and demanding King Prempeh to turn the remainder of the Empire to Britain as a protectorate in the early 1890s.
What did the King of Ashantiland do in response to Britain’s demands?
Refuses: 4th Anglo-Asante war begins. Prempeh is forced from the throne in 1896. There is a final Asante uprising in 1900 that results in a formal annexation, and incorporation to Gold Coast happens in 1902.
Where is Zanzibar?
Archipelago of islands east of Tanzania in East Africa
What treaty had Britain signed in relation to Zanzibar and Tanzania?
Britain signs an agreement with Germany in 1890 that cedes Zanzibar to the British Sphere of Influence while Tanzania is German.
When did Britain declare Zanzibar as a protectorate?
1890 and installed a puppet sultan.
What led to a tumult in Zanzibar?
Suspicious death of Sultan in 1896, replaced by cousin Khalid w/o British blessing.
What were the events of war in Zanzibar?
Confrontation and order to stand down. Naval bombardment and 38 minute war. 500 civilian defenders killed and a new Sultan was imposed.
What problematic feature of colonialism was present in Uganda?
Loads of missionaries there who were rather successful in converting people. In 1886 King Mwanga tries to reassert authority and kills 30 Catholics and protestants. Civil war ensues and he flees.
How was the situation in Uganda restored
King Mwanga promises to hand over some sovereignty to BEAC & restored to power in 1889. 1890 treaty with Lord Lugard ceding revenue, trade
What infrastructure project was built in Uganda as a form of consolidation?
Uganda railway from Mombasa to fertile lands near Lake Victoria in 1897. Consolidated E. African protectorate and Uganda.
What were the problems of the Ugandan infrastructure project?
Took 5 years and £5 million, but had hella deaths and inhumane punishments.
What was the utility in Kenya?
A useful route from the coast to Uganda.
How was order consolidated in Kenya?
A 9 month campaign of crushing the opposition led by a Sheikh.
Does the treaty signed with Germany in 1890 also apply to Sudan?
Yes. Germans take Tanganyika and Britain takes Kenya and Uganda. the French are persuaded to focus on West Africa.
When was Salisbury elected, and what did he think about Sudan/Egypt.
Was elected in 1885, and believed that Egypt was vital and should be reclaimed.
What were some of the internal problems in Sudan at this time?
The Mahdi dies in 1885, his successor, Khalifa Abdullah, tries to unify the country but internal resistance fighters, plague, and famine in the country.
Who was Herbert Kitchener?
Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Army in 1896. Created to penetrate to Dongola, but goes all the way to Khartoum following a decisive victory at the Battle of Omdurman in ‘98.
What was Kitchener ordered to do following his successes?
Go to Fashoda in 1899, where the Fashoda incident took place.
When was Anglo-Egyptian Sudan formed as a veiled protectorate?
1899.
