The acquisition of key naval bases Flashcards
What was the significance of the retention of Gibraltar in 1783?
It ensured British control over a strategically located fortress - providing a vital naval base and control over the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea
Gibraltar is situated where the sea between Europe and Africa is only __km wide
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What did Gibraltar provide a vital staging post for?
British fleets in the Mediterranean, for example by resupplying Nelson’s Fleet before the critical battle of Trafalgar
How did Gibraltar threaten France?
It separated French Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, threatening France’s ability to move warships and supplies between its main ports
Malta
Malta, an Archipelago located in the central Mediterranean Sea, was a strategic location for controlling naval routes in the region
In 1814, during the Napoleonic Wars, the Treaty of Paris was signed, which resulted in the transfer of Malta from the French to the British Empire
Ceylon
Ceylon (Sri Lanka) was renowned for its valuable commodities such as tea, coffee, cinnamon and rubber which contributed to British economic interests in the region
Cape Town
Cape Town’s location at the southern tip of Africa gave the British control over the important “Cape of Good Hope” trade route and served as a key resupply point for ships travelling between Europe and the East
The acquisition of the Falklands in 1833 - why was it significant?
Due to its strategic location. The islands served as an important stopping point for ships travelling between Europe and South America - and as a base for British naval operations in the region. The British also believed that the Islands could serve as a potential base for future expansion in the South Atlantic
How did the reasons for acquiring the Falklands change over time?
Initially, the acquisition was primarily driven by strategic concerns, as the British sought to secure their control over the South Atlantic and protect their interests in the region. However, over time, the importance of the Falklands as a strategic asset diminished, and the Islands came to be seen more as a symbol if British sovereignty and national pride
The acquisition of Aden (1936)
Located at the southern end of the Red Sea in what is now Yemen
The reasons for acquiring Aden evolved. As the importance of steam-powered ships increased, Aden became even more vital as a coaling station and refueling point. In addition, the British saw Aden as a key location for defending their interests in the Middle East, and as a way of countering the influence of other European powers in the region
Where is Cyprus located?
In the eastern Mediterranean, situated between Europe, Asia and Africa
The acquisition of Cyprus (1878) - the British recognised the Island’s potential as a…
strategic base for projecting their power and influence in the region, and as a way of countering the influence of other European powers (Russia)
The acquisition of Cyprus (1878) - was driven by a desire to protect British interests in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly in relation to…
the Ottoman Empire - at the time, the Otfoman Empire was in decline, and the Britisj saw an opportunity to extend their influence by acquiring Cyprus
Why was the the acquisition of Cyprus (1878) a significant milestone for the development of the Empire?
It showed that British imperial policy was no longer determined by Liberal economics and trade routes. Britain was now willing to acquire colonies simply to constrain the territorial ambitions of other powers
