Why did the British Empire grow and contract: 1890-1914

Question 1

British policies in Africa

Answer 1

Change of policies - 1895 newly elected conservative government were keen to consolidate empire; upholding Britain’s position within the Empire

Question 2

South Africa

Answer 2

• 1895 Jameson Raid with support of Rhodes: 500 troops attack the Transvaal to spark Uprising against the Boers, attack fails and Rhodes resigns as PM (a plot to get more diamond mines under Rhodes’ control but covered up by saying that it was for voters rights)
• Leads to Boers surrender May 1902 and Treaty of Vereeniging May 1902 and later Union of South Africa 1910

Question 3

Nigeria (Tropical Africa)

Answer 3

• Claimed Nigeria following occupation and agreement with French in 1890 as part of an agreement which saw Britain’s recognition of French claim to Madagascar
• Took over responsibility of the Royal Niger Company, direct control in the North in 1900 and in the South in 1906, being unified in 1914

Question 4

Zanzibar (Tropical Africa)

Answer 4

• Britain and Germany sign agreement in 1890 to sign treaty to establish spheres of influence in East Africa with Zanzibar going to Britain, declaring it a protectorate in 1890 and installing a ‘puppet’ Sultan, Hamad bin Thuwaini
• Conflict in 1896 following Sultan’s death and his cousin, Khalid, ascending without British blessing.

Question 5

Expansion and consolidation of rule

Answer 5

• Sierra Leone established a protectorate in 1896
• Gold Coast was incorporated of Ashantiland into Gold Coast Colony in 1902
• Transvaal was integrated into British Union of South Africa 1902
• Egypt was a protectorate in 1914

Question 6

Uganda (Tropical Afrcia)

Answer 6

Britain gain control over Uganda following King Mwanga flees following civil war

• 1890 Lord Lugard signs treaty on behalf of Imperial British East Africa Company, ceding power over revenue, trade and admin. of justice
• In 1894 these powers were ceded to the Crown
• Britain looked to improve infrastructure of the country and start construction of Ugandan Railway

Question 7

Ugandan Railway

Answer 7

The railway connects fertile highlands near Lake Victoria to the Coast:
* 660 miles of railway track

• Takes 5 years to build
• £5 million to build
• 2500 labourers