End Of The British Empire Flashcards
Why did Britain lose its Empire?
LEADERSHIP
Gandhi and Nkrumah were non violent leaders which was hard to combat and resist.
Nasser and Kenyata used force and GB faced international criticism and pressure for their response in Egypt and Kenya
When did Canada gain independence?
1867
Why did Britain lose its Empire?
ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES
GB had a huge burden of debt from WWI and WWII so they were unable to afford to fight expensive wars eg. the Boer war, Indian Rebellion
Trade with the Empire was no longer crucial to GB interests as after WWII, trade with Europe and the USA was important
Why did Britain lost its Empire?
GOVERNMENT REACTION
The use of force in Suez and against the Mau Mau drew international criticism and pressure from the USA which was anti-empire.
The British government after WWII wanted to be seen as being fair and democratic and so they would hand over power in Africa if they saw a promise of a democratic government (eg. Ghana)
Why did Britain lost its Empire?
DEMANDS FOR INDEPENDENCE
Non violent protests and calls for self rule in the Gold Coast and India were hard to push back.
There were critics of Britain and the Queens stance in non white countries caused unrest as GB was hypocritical for standing against the Nazis but still supporting the Empire.
When did Ghana gain independence?
1957
When did Egypt gain independence?
1922
When did India gain independence?
1947
When did Kenya gain independence?
1964
