Impact of WW2 on British Empire Flashcards
What was the ‘August Offer’? How was it further developed?
It was an agreement between Britain and India in 1940 - promise that India would be free and equal after the war in return for support in the war.
Developed by Cripps in 1942 - Indians gained immediate participation in the executive
How muc did WW2 cost Britain by 1944?
Half of her GNP
What was the value of equipment which Britain borrowed from the USA? What programme was this part of? How much had to be payed back?
$31bn worth of equipment as part of Lend Lease Programe
1/10 of production costs had to be payed back
How much was Britain in debt to overseas creditors by 1945?
£3bn
How much did Britain loan off the USA after the war? What was the interest rate?
$3,75bn @2%
Name an example of the USA’s increased influence over British foreign policy due to economic dependency
Britain could only have post-war loan if they ratified Bretton Woods - this made central banks maintain fixed exchange rates between their currencies and the dollar
Which two organisations, set up following the Second World War, reduced Britain’s status as a world creditor further?
The IMF and World Bank
In what ways did Britain support America militarily after the war?
- Sent troops to Greece to counteract communist movement
- Supported the USA in the Korean War 1950-53
- Joined NATO in 1949
How many men did India contribute to the war effort? Canada?
India - 2.4m
Canada - 1.06m
What was the response of Britain’s dominions and colonies following declaration of war in September 1939?
- Most dominions followed suit quickly
- There was however hesitation from the South African PM and Canada’s decision had to go through an independent ratification process
- Crown colonies and protectorates were bound by the British declaration to war
Where did Japan conquer lots of Britain’s colonial possessions?
In Southeast Asia
What was the Colonial Development and Welfare Act of 1940?
An act by britain to allocate £55m over 10 years to African colonies for their development
Who said in 1942 that Britain aimed to “guide colonial people along the road to self-government within the British Empire”?
Colonial Secretary Oliver Stanley
What is the significance of Naik Gian Singh for Britain’s ties to the empire during the war?
Naik Gian Singh was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1945 for his single-handed attack on Japanese forces. This illustrated that Britain praised and respected its colonial subjects.
What role did Churchill envisage for the empire during the war?
An important unified role with Britain to fight against the common enemy of the Nazis
