Imperialism in Britain 1890-1914 Flashcards
What happened in the 90s that was a huge demonstration of Imperialism?
Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, it was celebrated with pomp and grandeur
How did the Imperialism displayed in the Jubilee change in the years up to 1914?
Challenges to Victorian triumphalism began to be heard because of the Boer War spiking fierce political debate
When did most criticisms of the Empire emerge?
After the Second Boer War (1899-1902)
Explain criticisms of Imperialism in this time…
-John A.Hobson: Economist who wrote book called “Imperialism” in 1902
-Concerns with how the British used tactics in Boer War such as concentration camps as reported by Emily Hobhouse
-Other lesser known individuals challenged Imperialism
Name some lesser known individuals who challenge Imperialism…
-Wilfrid Scawen Blunt: Diplomat and poet who wrote in 1899 “The white man’s burden, Lord, is the burden of his cash”
-Herbert Spencer: Influential philosopher who criticised Victorian enthusiasm for expanding Empire
-Frederic Harrison: Radical left wing lawyer who believed Imperialism was unethical
-William Digby: Writer who served in India and set up Indian Political and General Agency in London
-Walter Crane: Designer, children’s author and socialist who used skills to encourage anti-imperialism
How was Imperialism affected in the years 1906-1914?
While the Liberals were in power in these years, Imperialism declined but the continuation of Empire was never seriously questioned
Explain support of Imperialism in this time…
-Public displays of support for the Empire in 1899 at the outbreak of the Second Boer War and again in 1900 when the Conservative Party won the Khaki election
-Two main ways of justifying empire: Moral ground- Empire a responsibility or even a burden that God placed on British, Liberal Grounds: Empire “ civilising” the people in the Empire, freeing them from local oppression
-Joseph Chamberlain Colonial Secretary 1895-1903: argued Britain experiencing a “national crisis” only the Empire could solve
-Many pro-imperialist societies like: Royal Colonial Institute founded 1870, Victoria League 1901, Empire Day Movement (recognised by Parliament 1916)
What were the different political parties views on the Empire?
-Liberals: looked at education and improvement of colonies and their people with aim of ultimately giving self-rule, reluctant to end Empire
-Labour: Talked about granting colonies freedom THROUGH empire, not freedom FROM empire
-Conservatives: Unanimously embraced Imperialism, argued in favour of a stronger more closely united Empire
Who were two key Imperialists in this period…
Lord Curzon - proclaimed that there has never been anything so great in world history as the British Empire
Lord Alfred Milner - Argued every white man of British birth should feel equally at home in every colony of the Empire
What was the issue of national efficiency?
-The Boer War exposed national efficiency of British troops as 30k Boers held out against British forces for two and a half years, “Home-grown” British soldiers hard to come by, poor-diet and living conditions blamed on Britain’s weakening manpower
-In 1902, it was common for this to be talked about in the Press
What measures were taken to improve national efficiency?
-1902 Education Act
-Dreadnought launched in 1906
-Imperial College London 1907
-Liberal Part social reforms (free school meals/medical inspections, children’s welfare charter, old-age pensions, trade boards act)
