The British Empire, 1857-1967 Flashcards
What was the extent of the British Empire at its peak?
The British Empire encompassed 13 million square miles and ruled over almost a quarter of the world’s population, with colonies spread across six continents.
During which monarch’s reign did the British Empire expand significantly?
The British Empire expanded during the reign of Queen Victoria.
When did the British Empire reach its territorial height?
The British Empire reached its territorial height between the First and Second World Wars.
When was the British Empire rapidly dismantled?
The British Empire was rapidly dismantled between the 1940s and 1960s.
How is the British Empire memorialized today?
The streets and public buildings of practically every town in Britain bear statues and names commemorating those who created and maintained the Empire.
What significant event regarding memorials occurred between 2020 and 2021?
It is estimated that 70 memorials to imperial figures were removed from public spaces in Britain.
What was the slogan of the pressure group protesting Cecil Rhodes’ statue?
‘Rhodes Must Fall’ has been the slogan of the pressure group protesting the statue at Oriel College, University of Oxford.
What did a YouGov poll in March 2020 reveal about British attitudes towards the Empire?
A third of respondents saw the Empire as something to be proud of, and over a quarter wanted Britain to have the Empire back.
When did British empire-building begin?
British empire-building has its roots in the Elizabethan period.
What were the Protestant plantations in Ireland?
The Protestant plantations in Ireland from the 1550s involved confiscating Irish-owned land and colonizing it by British Protestants.
What three themes were part of the colonial experience?
The three themes were the concept of ruling people represented as savage, intertwining colonialism with Protestant religious zeal, and the use of violence to repress resistance.
What is religious zeal?
Religious zeal is a strong passion or enthusiasm for one’s religion and beliefs. It involves being very dedicated and committed to practicing and spreading one’s faith.
What justification did the English use for their actions against Indigenous Americans?
The English justified their actions by claiming superiority in technology, religion, and culture.
What is the doctrine of terra nullius?
Terra nullius is the concept that if land was not used by Europeans, it was legally considered ‘empty.’
What was the population of the 13 British colonies in 1775?
By 1775, there were 13 British colonies with a population of around 2.5 million, including an estimated 500,000 enslaved people.
What economic factor contributed to Britain’s wealth during the colonial period?
Britain grew wealthy due to the unpaid labor of millions of enslaved workers forcibly taken from West Africa.
What was the Barbados Slave Code of 1661?
The Barbados Slave Code enacted separate laws for black and white people and threatened violent reprisals for any resistance.
What significant event occurred in 1776 regarding the American colonies?
The 13 American colonies declared independence in 1776.
What was the British East India Company’s role in India?
The British East India Company took over large parts of the Mughal Empire, notably at the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
What was the Mughal Empire?
The Mughal Empire was a large empire in India that lasted from the 1500s to the 1800s. It was known for its strong rulers, beautiful buildings like the Taj Mahal, and a rich culture.
When was the British abolition of the slave trade?
The British government abolished the slave trade in 1807.
What was the significance of the Indian Rebellion of 1857?
The Indian Rebellion of 1857 was a transformative act of opposition to the rule of the East India Company.
What are the six Key Questions for the A Level breadth study?
- Why did the British Empire grow and contract? 2. What influenced imperial policy? 3. What part did economic factors play in the development of the British Empire? 4. How did the Empire influence British attitudes and culture? 5. How did indigenous peoples respond to British rule? 6. How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?
