Fall of imperial nation

Question 1

Reasons for fall

Answer 1

1) war - had exhausted Britain’s economy - too expensive - bankrupt after ww2 and great depression weakens gb 2) Internal politics - become more social democracy - welfare state - colonialism incompatible with change in politics. Empire not seen as liberal - Boer war - disgust by British liberals. 3) Pressure from outside -raising nations - USA - military operation of british on suez crisis condemned. Bankrupt - drawn closer to us through loans. 4) Pressure from colonies themselves - India - league against imperialism.

Question 2

Commitment to maintaining Empire

Answer 2

1) League of Nations - lack of action - gb represents colonies interests 2) Suppression in Malaya 1948 and 1952 Kenya, falklands war. 3) Cold war - US not as serious on break up of empire as stops colonies turning to USSR.