New Imperialism Flashcards
How much of Africa was controlled by European powers before 1880? By 1902?
Before 1880 - 10%
By 1902 - 90%
Where else became a theatre of imperial expansion following the “age of anti-imperialism”? Give some examples of territories
South-east Asia
e.g. Afghanistan (1880), Burma (1885), Fiji (1874), Malaya (1874)
What were the driving factors for this imperial expansion?
Industrialisation - new resources and materials were required to keep expanding industrial capacity. The competition between European powers accentuated this need.
Strategic interests - Annexation of African territories, particularly those near the Suez Canal and East Africa were important to preserve trade routes to India
Imperial competition - Germany had been unified in 1871 and was deeloping into an imperial power. There was thus a need to assert dominance.
Economic - The long depression between 1873-96 highlighted the limitations of free trade, thus re-promoting a mercantilist outlook
What did the Berlin conference of 1884 mean for Britain?
It meant Britain was awared large portions of East Africa to link Egypt with South Africa.
When had Britain acquired Egypt?
1882
Why did Afghanistan became a semi-protectorate of Britain in 1880?
In order to protect Britain’s interests in India
By 1901, how much of the world’s industrial output was produced by Britain?
30%
Name examples of territories which Britain added to its empire between 1841-51, strengthening R and G’s continuity thesis
Hong Kong, Gold Coast, Punjab and Sind
Name examples of territories which Britain added to its empire between 1851-71, strengthening R and G’s continuity thesis
Transvaal, Lagos, Lower Burma, Basutoland
What weakens the use of pro-free trade as an example of anti-imperialism?
The fact that free trade did not question the existence of the empire but merely the way in which it was maintained - preferably informal control
How is the second Opium War good rebuttal to the anti-imperalist argument?
Because it highlights Britain using formal means to defend their economic interests in China. Whilst it resulted in little formal expansion, the creation of treaty ports boosted informal control. It highlighted Britain’s willingness to defend their dominance in parts of the world despite it being an “age of anti-Imperalism”
How does the more intense formal expansion in the 1880s and 1890s not necessarily mean there was an age of New Imperalism?
Because it is a response to crisis at the periphery, rather than a change of mentality amongst the Victorians during the period.
Name some places granted responsible government during the age of Anti-imperialism
Nova Scotia and Canada - 1848 Australian colonies - from 1850s Prince Edward Island - 1851 Newfoundland - 1854 New Zealand - 1860
Where did Britain withdraw troops from in the 1860s, perhaps suggesting a desire to move away from the empire?
New Zealand
Which politicians criticised the possession of an empire during the 1850s?
Lord Palmerston and Cobden