Supporters and Critics of Empire Flashcards
1
Q
Who supported Empire?
A
- Ruling elites of late 19th and early 20th century
- Some Liberals
- Conservatives
- Supporters of and PM Lord Salisbury 1895-1905
- The Victoria League 1901
2
Q
What were general reasons for supporting Empire?
A
- Moral reasons e.g. a “burden”/”responsibility” God had given the British to civilise the world; freeing colonies from local oppression and giving them welfare and law
- Economic benefits
- Empire for E’s sake; “white rule”
3
Q
Why did Liberals support Empire?
A
To educate and improve colonies, aiming for self-rule
4
Q
John Hobson’s criticisms of Empire
A
Economist who wrote in 1902 he believed imperial expansion driven by search for new markets for rich British capitalists to make profit; a small and powerful elite e.g. Boer War for gold
5
Q
Wilfrid Scawen Blunt criticisms of Empire
A
Diplomat and poet in 1889: “The white man’s burden, Lord, is the burden of his cash”
6
Q
What was Empire Day?
A
- First one in May 1902
- Day of festivities reinforcing imperial unity
- Celebrating Queen Victoria, Empress of India
- Educated British public about Empire
