Migration c790 to the present day, Part 4: Britain in the 20th century Flashcards
How much land did the British Empire cover?
At its peak, in 1921, it covered a quarter or the world’s total land area.
How many people lived in the British Empire?
At its peak, 450 million people lived in the British Empire.
What was the economic impact of the World Wars on Britain?
They weakened Britain. After the Second World War, Britain was completely bankrupted.
Why did many colonies want independence?
- They had fought in the World Wars
- They wanted to run their own country
When was the Indian National Congress founded?
1885
What contribution did India make in WW1?
They provided soldiers, food, materials and finance to Britain.
When did the Indian independence movement start to become more popular?
In the 1920s, under Mohandas Gandhi’s leadership
When is the Government of India passed?
1935
What does the Government of India do?
It allows India to run its own affairs, except the army.
However, it is still part of the BE and is ruled by a viceroy.
What group is formed for Indian Muslims?
The Muslim League
What does the Muslim League call for?
A country for Indian Muslims
When does Britain offer independence to India?
1946
How is India divided up?
Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan
When does Pakistan become independent?
14th August 1947
When does India become independent?
15th August 1947
When was Gandhi assassinated?
January 1948
Who assassinated Gandhi?
A Hindu extremist who hated his tolerance for Muslims.
When did the Suez Crisis happen?
1956
What caused the Suez Crisis?
Egypt had taken control of the British-French owned Suez Canal.
What was Britain and France’s reaction to Egypt’s takeover of the canal?
They landed with troops in the area, backed by Israel, who also sent troops.
What was the US and UN’s reaction to the Suez Crisis?
They both condemned the British and French invasions.
What was the outcome of the Suez Crisis for the British Government?
- The Prime Minister resigned in disgrace
- They realised they could no longer go to war if the rest of the world disapproved.
When did the campaign for independence in West Africa begin?
In the 1920s
What did the National Congress of British West Africa ask the British?
For more control of their own affairs, but the British refused.