Trade and Commerce up to 1890 Flashcards
Infrastructure of Trade
Profit was the main goal of the Empire - the empire made Britain the worlds foremost trading nation where it provided so many goods such as spices, gold diamonds, tea sugar and cocoa.
This was all done through railways, canals/rivers and ports
Mercantilism and Protectionist
Controlled and regulated system that dominated the 18th century where colonies were expected to send all produce to Britain
Imperialism of Free Trade
Enforced free trade agreements with countries dominated the 19th century and made Britain the worlds foremost trading nation.
20% of British imports came from its colonies whilst the Empire provided a market for a third of British exports and used its colonies to provide for its workforce
2 types of shipping
Clipper boats were smaller faster boats used to transport spices, luxuries, mail and people
Steam ships travelled the world with bulkier produce and by the 1850s the time they took to travel to Africa had been cut down to 3 weeks
Railways
Building railways ensured British control so they provided engineers and rolling stocks so the colonies depended on Britain.
Provided vital links from the rural areas of production and the sea
Canals/rivers
Facilitated trade. Allowed explorers to discover what lay behind costal areas. Some rivers and canals were deepened/ straightened to allow boats to come through
What was the impact of Trade and Commerce on the British Empire?
Trade and Commerce significantly influenced the expansion and governance of the British Empire, leading to the establishment and eventual dissolution of chartered companies.
What are Chartered Companies?
Chartered Companies were businesses granted a charter by the Crown, allowing them to trade and govern in specific regions.
What ended the chartered companies after 1857?
The adoption of Free Trade and the Indian Mutiny led to the end of chartered companies.
What challenges did chartered companies face after 1870?
Chartered companies faced challenges from new European markets and U.S. tariffs, as well as the onset of the Great Depression (1873-1896).
Which company received a charter in 1881?
The North Borneo Trading Company received a charter in 1881.
What was the significance of the North Borneo Trading Company charter?
It gave Britain a stronghold in the South China Sea.
List three chartered companies established in the late 19th century.
- Royal Niger Company (1886)
- Imperial British East Africa Company (1888)
- British South Africa Company (1889)
What system of governance was instituted on June 28, 1858?
The Raj, when the rule of the British East India Company was transferred to the Crown.
What were the uses of canals in the British Empire?
Canals facilitated trade and exploration by improving access between regions.
What developments occurred in canals after 1857?
New canals were developed on a large scale to improve access within India.
What significant canal development occurred in Canada after 1867?
Canals were deepened around the Great Lakes to overcome height differences.
How did railways contribute to British control in the colonies?
Britain invested in railways, providing engineers and rolling stock, ensuring colonies depended on Britain.
What is ‘Railway Imperialism’?
A term describing how railway investments forced colonies to accept British policies.
What were the benefits of railways in Canada?
Railways provided vital links between rural production areas and the sea.
How did railways affect Australia and South Africa?
They enabled Australia to export wheat and wool and allowed South Africa to expand commercial interests into the interior.
What role did clipper ships serve in the British Empire?
Clipper ships were used for transporting spices, luxuries, mail, and people.
What advancements were made in steam shipping during the 1850s?
Compound steam ships were developed, using less coal and making steam shipping more economical.
How did steam ships impact transport times to West Africa?
They cut the transport time from Great Britain to West Africa to three weeks.
