Superpowers (Case Studies)

Question 1

What are some key facts about the British Empire? (An example of shifting patterns of power)

Answer 1

Can be split into 3 phases:
1) Mercantilist phase (1600-1850)- Small colonies set up and defended (e.g. Jamaica).
- Focus on trade using private trading companies (e.g. East India Company).
2) Imperial phase (1850-1945)- Coastal colonies extended.
- Religion, competitive sport and English language introduced to colonies.
- Ruled by British colonial administrators.
- Development of complex trade networks.
- British settlers enter colonies, creating plantations.
- Use of tech (e.g. railways) to connect the empire.
3) Decolonisation phase (1945-)- After war, UK could not financially support the empire.
- Anti colonialist movements grow.
- Focus on post war reconstruction at home speeds up colony independence.

Question 2

What were the 3 phases of the British Empire

Answer 2

1) Mercantilist Phase (1600-1850)
2) Imperial Phase (1850-1945)
3) Decolonisation Phase (1945-Present)

Question 3

What happened in the Mercantilist phase of the British Empire?

Answer 3

Colonies were set up and defended (such as Jamaica)
Trading using private trading companies (e.g. the East India Company)

Question 4

What happened in the Imperialist phase of the British Empire?

Answer 4

Coastal colonies expanded
Development of complex trade networks
Development of infrastructure (e.g. railways)
Ruled by British administrators
British people move in, setting up plantations

Question 5

What happened in the Decolonisation phase of the British Empire?

Answer 5

Britain could not finance the empire any more
Development at home sped up separatist movements