The Informal Empire, Opium, Trade & Commerce, Exploration Flashcards
What was meant by “informal empire”?
The informal empire was areas over which Britain had no legal claim which were influenced by British power, mainly economic power.
How did Britain build their informal empire?
British influence was sealed by free trade agreements or by British investment in the country. These links extended to what is known as “cultural imperialism” - the spreading of English language and culture.
What were the Opium Wars?
A set of wars between China and Britain in the mid 1800s, caused largely by disputes over the opium trade, which had huge consequences for China.
How did the Opium Wars start?
British merchants were involved in the lucrative trade if opium in the early 1800s, even though it was illegal in China.
The Chinese government tried to stop the trade, leading to conflict with Britain.
When was the First Opium War?
1839 - 1842
What happened in the First Opium War?
The British won easily due to their advanced weaponry and powerful navy.
The war was ended by the Treaty of Nanking.
What were the consequences of the Treaty of Nanking for China?
- They had to pay large fines
- Had to concede Hong Kong to the British
- They had to open up several ports for British trade
When was the Second Opium War?
1856 - 1860
What happened in the Second Opium War?
Britain, joined by France, won easily again. Even more Chinese ports were forced open, giving more foreign powers control over trade.
What was the British use of naval force known as?
Gunboat diplomacy
How did the British extend it’s informal empire around the world?
- Argentina - commercial agreements: businessmen such as Charles Morrison invested heavily in the country’s utilities
- Mexico - applied pressure to uphold free trade treaties
- Peru / Chile - threat from the navy to uphold free trade treaties
- Siam (Thailand) / Iran - trade treaties
- Afghanistan - full invasion secured the Treaty of Gandamark - provided strategic territorial gains and control over foreign policy
- Zanzibar - influence exercised under trader John Kirk - government established - first minister was a British representative
What is meant by mercantilism and protectionism?
This is the belief in a controlled and regulated system of trade monopolised by one superior country, which dominated 18th century empire.
Colonies were expected to send all produce to Britain, buy only British manufactures and import / export only through British ships. This was supported by using chartered companies.
What is meant by free trade?
Trade free from any government interference, inspired by Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations”. Britain could use things such as their navy to enforce trade agreements with countries.
Under free trade, Imperial investment and trade grew enormously, and London became the financial capital, with Sterling being the international currency for trade.
How did free trade change the British market?
In the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, 20% of British imports came from it’s colonies, and the empire provided a market for 1/3 of exports.
Why was Britain the world’s foremost trading nation?
By 1857, Britain was the most industrially advanced nation in the world, meaning it was the largest consumer market for both food and raw materials.
Urbanisation increased reliance on imports, and British industry produced so much that they were forced into selling it overseas.
