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
What is meant by India being the crowning jewel?
It was the most valuable territory of the British Empire
How did Britain take control in Southern Asia and Eastern Africa?
By using massive trading companies and using the events and violence of the Sepoy Revolt to demand the need for a more frequent dominant presence
What were the British attitudes towards their own empire?
Whilst some were against imperial actions, most of the British people were imperialists (deep believers of the empire) and believed that there were many benefits
Which source demonstrates the British perception of their empire?
Imperial Federation Map
What was the Imperial Federation Map?
“a showcase for the wealth and industrial development of the British Empire.”
When was the Imperial Federation Map created?
It was published in 1886, at the time of the Colonial and Exhibition
What does the Imperial Federation Map reflect?
The celebratory consciousness of Victoria’s empire
What do the images on the Imperial Federation Map show about the British attitudes towards the empire?
The map could be described as a “perfect symbol” to the British because they thought the empire was aiding the “subjects” and therefore they supported the imperialistic views.
The images represent the different cultures of the countries that are controlled by the empire implying diversity among the empire
What 3 words are written at the top of the Imperial Federation Map?
Freedom
Fraternity
Federation
Give examples of sources that may help answer questions about the “relationship between the British Empire and it’s subjects”
Liptons Tea advert
Anglican church is Sierra Leone
Statistics of imports and exports for Argentina
Fairy Soap advert
How is the NEA assessed?
4000-4500 essay on the British Empire 1857-1967
How much of this essay will count towards your grade?
20% of A level
