What influenced imperial policy: 1857-1890

Question 1

Overall influence of policy

Answer 1

Consolidation and rivalry

Question 2

1858 Government of India Act

Answer 2

All EIC territory passed to British government

• Indian Civil service was placed under the control of the Indian Secretary of State
• Viceroy appointed by the crown ruled India with his Legislative Council of 5 who were responsible for finance, law, army, economy and home affairs.
• The viceroy represented provincial governors with own legislative councils.

Question 3

Defense of India

Answer 3

-Railways added to improve troop movement and Imperial Police Force as extra layer of security, especially against Russia

Question 4

How did the British improve upon EIC rule

Answer 4

More respect for traditional Indian practices and customs, the British government responsible for promotion of education and development of public works’ schemes and transport however very little difference for regular Indians as British still ruled the country

Question 5

Brussels conference 1876

Answer 5

• Native Africans were incapable of developing resources in Africa and an International African Association should be established to coordinate European efforts
• Heightened competition as it became clear the Leopold intended to create Congo Empire, France to extend its control over Senegal into Western Sudan in 1879 and Portugal to assert its claim over the Congo River in 1884

Question 6

Berlin Conference 1884-85

Answer 6

• Should be support for locals and the supression of slave trade and the protection of missionaries, explorers and scientists
• ‘Effective Occupation’, other countries had to be notified leads to 90% of African land being taken by European territories by 1900

Question 7

Latin America - informal Empire

Answer 7

• Mercantile Bank of the River Plate in Argentina was created in 1881 by Charles Morrison
• Accounted for 10% of Britain’s imports and exports for the second half of the 19th Century