Expansion and Contraction of Empire Flashcards
How many men did Britain contribute towards WW1?
Around 5 million men.
How many men did the colonies contribute towards WW1?
Around 2.5 million men.
When did WW1 breakout?
1914.
What is a coalition government?
A government combining a number of different political parties.
What was the Imperial war cabinet and what was its significance (3)?
1) Under pressure from colonial leaders wanting a say on the British direction of WW1, Presidents of the Dominions and Indian representatives joined the war cabinet in 1917.
2) It seemed to symbolise the union of the British Empire.
3) It only held two sessions, mostly representing white and elite opinions, with Britain dominating proceedings.
What was the initial attitude from the Dominions towards the war effort (WW1)?
Dominions were initially enthusiastic to fight alongside Britain, with large numbers of volunteers signing up to the armed forces.
Why did initial enthusiasm towards WW1 dry up amongst the Dominions?
Due to heavy losses in 1915.
When was conscription introduced in (1) New Zealand and (2) Canada for WW1?
1) New Zealand: 1916.
2) Canada: 1917
For what two military campaigns were the Dominion soldiers applauded for?
1) Australians and New Zealanders (Anzacs) were applauded for bravery in the Gallipoli campaign (April - December 1915).
2) Canadians were applauded for bravery at the Battle for Vimy Ridge (April 1917)
How did the Dominions oppose imperial rule during WW1 (3)?
1) In March 1918, there were protest riots against conscription in Quebec City, Canada.
2) Australians rejected conscription in both 1916 and 1917 referendums.
3) In South Africa, nationalist movements grew, with the Afrikaner movement questioning the imperial connection.
What were the casualties of WW1 for the Dominions (4)?
1) Over 60,000 Australians.
2) Around 16,000 New Zealanders.
3) Around 61,000 Canadians.
4) Around 7,000 South Africans.
How did WW1 affect Britain’s relationship with the Dominions?
Desire for independence from imperial control increased, with WW1 boosting senses of distinctive national identity and pride.
How many soldiers did India contribute to WW1?
Around 1.3 million soldiers, with no conscription.
How many Indian soldiers were killed during WW1?
Over 74,000.
How much money did India contribute to WW1 in 1917?
£100 million.
How did Britain reward India for their contribution in WW1?
Britain promised more ‘responsible’ self-government for India, including a measure of democratic representation for ordinary Indians.
When was Egypt made a protectorate?
1914.
How did the hierarchy of the British army reflect racial prejudices in WW1?
Black servicemen were not allowed to fight alongside the British army in Europe, only being allowed to work as labourers and carriers.
Who were the West India Regiment?
A branch of the army, consisting mainly of black Africans. In WW1, the regiment was made up of volunteers from the Caribbean, Nigeria, Gold Coast, and India.
When did the War Office allow Caribbean men to enlist in the army (WW1)?
1915.
What is a mandate?
A territory allocated by the League of Nations to a particular nation to be governed on behalf of the League.
What is self-determination?
The right of a distinct national or ethnic group of people to determine their own nation-state and form of government. This was advocated by Woodrow Wilson during the Treaty of Versailles.
What was the League of Nations?
An international organisation set up in 1920 to prevent war through negotiations. It eventually broke down due to the USA’s refusal to join, and the rise of Nazism and Fascism.
When was the Treaty of Versailles?
1919.
What was the mandate system (3)?
1) The British and French argued that the former German and Ottoman colonies were underdeveloped, and needed guiding in terms of government and economic development.
2) The mandate agreement aimed to help develop these countries, with mandates being divided into ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ categories for the extent of development required.
3) In reality, the mandate system secured imperial control over new colonies.
What did Britain gain from the post-war (WW1) treaties (3)?
1) The addition of 1.8 million square miles of territory and 13 million new subjects.
2) Britain gained control of (through mandates) Palestine, Transjordan, Iraq, parts of Cameroon and Togo, and Tanganyika.
3) British Dominions gained mandates for themselves, e.g. Australia gained German New Guinea.
What were ‘A’ category mandates?
Territories seen as quite developed, with independence a viable possibility in the near future (e.g. Palestine and Mesopotamia).
What were ‘B’ category mandates?
Territories seen to require a long period of guidance before independence could be contemplated. E.g. Tanganyika, Togoland, and Cameroon.
What were ‘C’ category mandates?
Territories where independence was not considered feasible. E.g. New Guinea.
Why did Britain want to acquire Middle-Eastern mandates (Palestine, Mesopotamia) (2)?
1) Britain wanted to secure control in the Middle-East, due to it being the main overland route to India and Asia, whilst also being close to the Suez Canal.
2) Mesopotamia was oil-rich.