Imperial Defence 1914 - 47

Question 1

1 main challenge of defending empire throughout the time period?

Answer 1

Economic - difficulties after WW1, during interwar years (great depression)
- the costs of defence were a burden

Question 2

One problem for defence that emerged in the 1930s?

Answer 2

The rise of aggressive regimes

• Nazi Germany in Europe
• Japan in East Asia
• Italy - attempted to invade Abyssinia in 1935 (threatened GB interests in Egypt)

Question 3

Third social challenge to Imperial defence?

Answer 3

Rise of nationalism - wanted full independence e.g India

- stretched military resources

Question 4

How did the UK manage?

Answer 4

Needed to find balance between defending Empire on a global scale and in Europe

Question 5

What international body gave Britain confidence in their international position?

Answer 5

The League of Nations - 1920s

Question 6

Did the League of Nations support British imperial defence?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

What policy did GB adopt to try find balance between home and empire?

Answer 7

Policy of Appeasement - allowed resources to go elsewhere

Question 8

What powers did GB use this policy against?

Answer 8

Germany and Italy during the 1930s

Question 9

Did the UK modernise the Indian army?

Answer 9

Yes

Question 10

Why did GB modernise the Indian army?

Answer 10

To protect India and interests in Asia (e.g Singapore, Burma) from Japan

Question 11

How did GB try and protect Singapore from Japanese invasion during the 1930s?

Answer 11

Development - spent £25 million to deter Japan

Question 12

Was Singaporean development a failure or success overall?

Answer 12

Failure - Japan took Singapore in 1942 and UK failed to reinforce them as little money