Problems of Trade with the Empire for Britain

Question 1

If Britain had abandoned the Empire what would’ve been the outcome?

Answer 1

The loss would’ve amounted for less than 3% of Britain’s total trade and the savings made on defence would have more than made up for this.

Question 2

Who paid the majority of the costs of the Empire?

Answer 2

Taxpayers

Question 3

The Empire was blamed for Britain’s failure to… what?

Answer 3

Modernise its industry. Anti-imperialists argued that the loss of the Empire might have encouraged British industries to modernise their machinery and meet foreign competition.

Question 4

What was a constant drain on government resources?

Answer 4

The cost of maintaining and expanding the Empire.

Question 5

What could Britain not function without?

Answer 5

Regular imports of raw materials from abroad. Britain had become dependent on other countries.