The Role of Individuals 1890-1914 Flashcards
Who was Joseph Chamberlain?
Conservative Colonial Secretary 1895-1903. He was a supporter of Rhodes’ South African ambitions, and presided over success in the Second Anglo-Boer War. He fought for imperial preference in 1905 failed.
What were Joseph Chamberlain’s attitudes to Empire (3)?
1) Believed Empire needed to be preserved if Britain was to stay a world power.
2) A strong advocate for colonial development.
3) A high imperialist, believing in imperial duty: ‘the British race is the greatest of the governing races that the world has ever seen’.
How did Joseph Chamberlain attempt to reinforce imperial bonds in 1897, and in 1902?
Chamberlain summoned and chaired 2 Colonial Conferences in 1897 and 1902, discussing imperial defence and a customs union. These conferences only included self-governing colonies, who rejected Chamberlain’s idea.
Why did Joseph Chamberlain resign as Colonial Secretary in 1903?
Whilst popular at the start of the Second Anglo-Boer War in 1899, as the war dragged on he lost some of his glory. When Salisbury retired in 1902, he was passed over as Prime Minister for Balfour, and retired as Colonial Secretary in 1903.
What was the Tariff Reform campaign (2)?
1) A campaign conducted by Joseph Chamberlain to try and convince the public of the need for duties on all foreign goods, including food, in order to give the colonies imperial preference. Chamberlain believed it would reduce unemployment and benefit Britain.
2) The Tariff Reform League was formed, distributing leaflets and playing Chamberlain’s recorded message to large crowds on a gramophone.
What was the significance of the Tariff Reform campaign on Joseph Chamberlain’s political career (3)?
1) The Conservatives were split over the idea, contributing to Balfour’s resignation in 1905.
2) He failed to convince the public in the 1906 election, who feared rising costs.
3) In the election, the Liberals won their largest majority since 1830. Chamberlain suffered a stroke soon after. His political career was over.
When did Cecil Rhodes become Prime Minister of Cape Colony?
July 1890.
How did Rhodes impose social Darwinist views on Cape Colony (3)?
1) The use of his vast fortune.
2) Use of political power.
3) Control of Cape newspapers.
What is Rhodes’ quote on British superiority?
“I contend that we are the first race in the world, and that the more of the world we inhabit the better it is for the human race.”
How did Rhodes attempt to link the Cape to Cairo (2), and why did it fail in 1891?
1) Sent settlers and BSAC troops to establish Fort Salisbury in Ndebele territory in 1890, violently expanding into nearby territories later known as Rhodesia.
2) Construction of a Cape to Cairo railway, starting from the Cape through Bechuanaland. Rhodes hoped it would eventually reach the Nile.
This was blocked by the German acquisition of East Africa in 1891, and was never completed.
Why and when did Rhodes resign as Prime Minister of Cape Colony?
Following the Jameson Raid in 1896, Rhodes resigned as Prime Minister of Cape Colony in the same year.
When did Rhodes die?
March 1902.
When was Curzon Viceroy of India?
1899-1905.
What policies did Curzon implement to consolidate British control of India (6)?
1) Established commissions and legislations to improve India’s administration and agriculture.
2) Re-arming of Indian regiments.
3) Expansion of the provincial police.
4) Promotion of scientific and medical education.
5) Construction of further 6000 miles of railway track.
6) Founded the Imperial Cadet Corps to give nobles a military role, keeping Indian elites loyal.
Why was Curzon reluctant to give Indians responsibility (2)?
1) He had a low opinion of the abilities of Indians, stating in 1902 “you cannot do without us.”
2) Believed Indians lacked an ‘Englishman’s authority and self-confidence’, refusing to appoint Indians to senior positions as he believed they were ‘rather inclined to abdicate or to run away’.