Why did the British Empire grow and contract: 1857-1890

Question 1

Britain in Egypt

Answer 1

• 1869 - Shares in the Suez Canal Company (to run the canal) become public
• 1870s - 40% of Egypt’s imports were coming from Britain
• 1875 - Disraeli buys controlling stake in the company for £4 million
• June 1882 Invade Egypt and stop revolts
• Khedive Tewfik was given figure-head position - Evelyn Baring was actual ruler (Consul General) and establish a ‘veiled protectorate’ - during which laid 1,000 miles or railway

Question 2

Scramble for Africa

Answer 2

• 1876 Brussels Conference (Europeans had to rule as Africans couldn’t fully utilise materials)
• 1884-85 Berlin conference (Claim by effective occupation)
• Over 1880-1890, 90% of Africa was claimed by European powers with Britain gaining 5 million square miles

Question 3

West Africa

Answer 3

-Nigeria for palm oil

-British Colony of Nigeria after 1885 Berlin Conference with free trade along the Niger

Question 4

East Africa

Answer 4

Economic interest in Zanzibar - imported goods from Britain and India which contributed £2 million to Britain

Question 5

Southern Africa

Answer 5

• 1877 Boers asked British for help against Zulu tribes, British annex Transvaal 1881
• Boers attack Majuba Hill and defeat British, make British sign Pretoria Convention
• Bechuanaland is made protectorate in Dec. 1885 to prevent Boers and German settlers uniting
• Discovery of Diamonds in Kimberley 1867 leads to British annexation of Basutoland in 1868
• 2000 Griqua trek to establish Griqualand East however was Griqualand East was annexed in 1874

Question 6

Sudan

Answer 6

• Also Ottoman run, revolts stopped, Charles Gordon was sent to act as Governor-General of Sudan between 1877-1880
• Faced opposition in June 1881 (declared himself as the Mahdi and created jihadist army), 1885 Khartoum overran despite Gladstone ordered withdrawl