L1: Introduction Flashcards
What is the British Empire?
A term used to describe all the places around the world that were once ruled by Britain.
How many British empires were there?
2
When was the first British Empire?
1707-1783
How did the first British Empire begin?
Britain’s interest began in the east, primarily consisting of the 13 colonies on the East Coast of the North American continent
Where else did the first British Empire have control and why?
Areas including parts of Southern and Western Africa, owned through the slave trade which happened in the 16th century
What happened to the 13 colonies in North America?
In the 18th century, they were lost as part of the American War of Independence and ended the venture
What happened to British interest after the American independence?
Britain began to expand its horizons in new directions (the east)
After the American independence, what was the shift of British interest known as?
Swing to the East
What was the Swing to the East?
A shift in imperial priorities/business and political interests towards South Asia/India and Africa
Who introduced the “Swing to the East”?
A British historian called Vincent Harlow in the early 20th century
What did the Swing to the East show about the British Empire?
That it was more about business and trade rather than the ability to control
When was the second British Empire?
It starts developing after the end of the first British War in 1783
However, we tend to the British Empire getting powerful from 1857
What happened in 1857 that marks the start of the British Empire?
The Sepoy Revolt
What does the Sepoy Revolt show?
The British government took control of India after the events of the Sepoy revolt
Who had previously controlled India before the Sepoy Revolt?
The East India Company, who represented and controlled on behalf of the British crown
