International Relations and Colonial Policy 1890-1914 Flashcards
What policy (relating to alliances) had the British used until the Second Boer War? (1899-1902)
‘Splendid isolation’, refused all alliances with other nations, instead relied on their navy and the two power standard (meaning Britain built a navy that was the same size of next two naval powers) as a means of maintain status and also used Indian Army.
What were the reasons behind much of the tensions between Britain and France in the 1800s?
Colonial rivalries in Africa and South East Asia, culminated in the Fashoda Incident (1898) in Sudan.
When did British relations with France become more positive? (turn of century)
1904 Entente Cordiale strengthened relations, the French agreed to respect British rights to Egypt in exchange for British recognition of French power in Morocco.
What are examples of Russia’s expansionist actions in the East, near India and in the Middle East, which caused tension?
Afghanistan was a persistent source of conflict, The British fought wars there to dissuade Russian expansion in India.
- The construction of a railway and consequent deployment of 300,000 troops in 1900 in close proximity to Afghanistan during the Second Boer War increased tensions.
What simmered tensions between Russia and Britain after the turn of the century?
Russia’s naval powers were greatly weakened during the humiliated defeat to Japan in 1905.
This caused Britain and Russia to resolved their differences through a 1907 agreement that established spheres of influence of Russia in Persia and Britain in Afghanistan.
How did Germany’s new Kaiser, Wilhelm II, increase German tensions with Britain?
- Wilhelm II had sent a telegram of support for the Boers after the 1895-6 Jameson Raid and supplied the Boers with arms during the Second Boer War.
- He had also improved relations with the Ottoman Sultan to gain better land access to Africa, the Persian Gulf, and markets in India without reliance on British controlled Suez Canal.
From the perspective of Britain, why were Germany a major threat by 1909? (think navy)
They were rapidly increasing naval resources, Britain had to end its naval policy of the two power standard and instead settled for a 60% margin of superiority over Germany.
