Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890?

Question 1

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)

Answer 1

1. Concept of ‘Swing to the East’ by Vincent Harlow
2. Industrial revolution
3. Scramble for Africa and ‘old diplomacy’
4. Trade and economy
5. Strategic factors
6. Idea of ‘moral superiority’ and religion
7. Adventurers, explorers and success stories
8. Merchants like George Goldie and Cecil Rhodes vetted success stories of business in Africa. British rule often followed.

Question 2

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890?
1. Concept of ‘Swing to the East’ by Vincent Harlow (1)

Answer 2

o As a result of loss of American colonies, Britain grew with renewed interest to Africa and India.

Question 3

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
2. Industrial revolution

Answer 3

a. Production of steamships and weapons allowed for Britain to easily establish foothold in different continents.

Question 4

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
3. Scramble for Africa and ‘old diplomacy’ (2)

Answer 4

a. Historian Dane Kennedy cites ‘growing political power’ of rivals and competitors for reasons in expanding in Africa.
b. Companies like the Royal Niger Company, the Imperial British East Africa Company and the British South Africa Company were chartered to protect the Crown’s interest in those areas.

Question 5

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
3. Scramble for Africa and ‘old diplomacy’
b. Companies like the Royal Niger Company, the Imperial British East Africa Company and the British South Africa Company were chartered to protect the Crown’s interest in those areas. (1)

Answer 5

i. Done to protect claims against other European companies and powers.

Question 6

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
4. Trade and economy (4)

Answer 6

a. As a result of Industrial Revolution, prices plummeted due to ease of access and Empire was seen with ‘renewed interest’ as Dane Kennedy puts it.
b. New trading partners helped during The Great Depression of 1873-1896 (2)
c. Expansion in Africa led to opening of inland routes and discovery of mineral and resources. Investment opportunities followed.
d. British Foreign Office Memorandum cites interest in East Africa for reasons such as: (5)

Question 7

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
4. Trade and economy
b. New trading partners helped during The Great Depression of 1873-1896 (2:3,3)

Answer 7

i. Coal, iron and timber sought to feed demands of British industry.
ii. As British industry developed, need for trade partners developed. British bought resources from Africa to manufacture into goods such as weapons and textiles and sold them back to Africa.
This is the cycle of dependence.

Question 8

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
4. Trade and economy
d. British Foreign Office Memorandum cites interest in East Africa for reasons such as: (5)

Answer 8

i. ‘mineral wealth’
ii. ‘unlimited capacity for the production of cattle’
iii. ‘a European climate within easy reach of the coast’
iv. ‘natives are more naturally industrious than most of the West Coast tribes’
v. ‘the establishment of any Government strong enough to enforce good order and prevent the raids of more turbulent tribes’

Question 9

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
5. Strategic factors (2)

Answer 9

a. Cape Colony had warm waters, deep ports - allowing for bigger harbours and giving access to Middle East, India, Australia, New Zealand and China.
b. Interests in West Africa protected by building coastal defenses in Sierra Leone and Gambia.

Question 10

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
6. Idea of ‘moral superiority’ and religion (3)

Answer 10

a. Christian missionaries saw it as a ‘duty’ to educate ‘heathen’ people
i. David Livingstone is a prime example.
ii. Historian Lawrence James suggests there was ‘general agreement that the Empire was a powerful force for the spread of civilization’

Question 11

Why did the British expand in Africa from 1857 – 1890? (8)
7. Adventurers, explorers and success stories (1)

Answer 11

a. Explorers and adventurers told stories of gold and raw materials.
They also say things about moral reasons like how David Livingstone talked abt the slave trade in Zambesi.