AQA A Level British Empire

When did British interest in Egypt change?

1875, Suez canal was built in 1869 and Britain had a 44% (£4m) share in it. Wanted to protect their gateway to India. 1876 Egypt goes Bankrupt

Why did Britain invade Egypt?

In 1881, there was a nationalist uprising against the Ottoman Empire rulers. The British feared that a liberated Egypt could be influenced by other European powers and their foothold would be jeopardised.

What did Britain do in Egypt?

June 1882, Britain invaded Egypt and stopped the revolts, the Khedive Tewfik was given a figure-head position, Evelyn Baring was made the actual ruler (Consul-General) and a ‘veiled protectorate’ was established. (Client State) By mid-1880s Britain took more than 75% of its trade and provided for half of its imports

What was Free Trade?

An economic policy shifting from protectionism to removing tariffs and restrictions, designed to make Britain the "workshop of the world"

How did British influence in West Africa develop?

Started with a foothold on the Golden Coast, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Nigeria for its palm oil. The British Colony of Nigeria emerged in 1885, after the Berlin conference and Free Trade was agreed to along the Niger River

What was European influence like in West Africa?

France wanted to create a French West African Empire from Senegal, which put pressure on British interests on the Niger River. In 1884, Germany seized Togoland and Cameroon. Belgium setup the Congo Free State in 1885 for the rubber trade. In 1885, the Berlin conference saw free trade and British interests on the River Niger were recognised.

How did British interests in East Africa develop?

Britain had vital economic interests in Zanzibar, where imported goods from Britain and India which contributed £2 million to Britain - mostly leather and textile goods from Manchester and Sheffield Steel. 1888, Sir William MacKinnon launched the Imperial British East Africa Company. Increased presence led to expansions into Uganda, Kenya and Somaliland.

What were initial relations with the Boers?

In 1877, the Boers asked for British help against the Zulu tribes. The British annexed the Transvaal. 1881, Boers attack British at Majuba Hill, British defeated, British sign Pretoria convention and are forced into suzerainty.

Why did the situation change in South Africa?

In December 1885, Bechuanaland is made a protectorate to prevent Boer settlers uniting with German settlers. In 1886, gold was discovered in the Transvaal and ‘Uitlanders’ flooded in. 1895 With the support of Cecil Rhodes, Jameson the chief of British South Africa Company and 500 troops attacked the Transvaal to spark an uprising against the Boers. The attack failed, Rhodes resigned as Prime Minister

How was the scramble for Africa impressive?

From 1880-1890, 90% of Africa was claimed by European powers. Britain gained 5 million square miles.

What investments did Britain put into Egypt?

By 1870s, 40% of Egypt’s imports came from Britain Alexandra becomes major port. 1,000 miles of railway laid. Arms bought. Schools, roads, public buildings, Egypt foreign debt grew from £3 million to £100 million. By 1875, Egypt had a ‘debt crisis’.

When was Cape Colony seized by the British?

1806

What happened in Sudan?

Charles Gordon was sent to act as Governor-General of Sudan between 1877-1880. He faced opposition from Muhammad Ahmed, who in June 1881, declared himself proclaimed himself Mahdi and created a jihadist army. Gladstone ordered a retreat from Khartoum in 1884 but were over-run in Jan 1885. General Gordan was beheaded.

Wars with the natives?

Xhosa War 1877-1878 - Disarmed tribesmen and annexed their territory to the Cape Zulu War - Invasion of Zulu land in 1879 and defeat of Zulus at Ulundi in 1879

Movement of the Griqua

Discovery of diamonds at Kimberly in 1867 created a ‘diamond rush’ which lead to the British annexation of Basutoland in 1868, later 2000 Griqua trekked east to establish Griqualand East in 1873 however this was annexed by the British in 1874.

British presence in SA in 1857?

Cape Colony & Natal (100,000 whites)

Strategic importance of Suez Canal?

Suez Canal – Quicker movement of troops to India under threat of Russian invasion - Presence in Mediterranean meant that the Ottoman Empire could be supported and was a buffer to any future Russian expansion

Livingstone

Began as a missionary doctor in 1841 in South Africa. Returned to Britain with huge acclaim at his Cambridge Lectures from 1856-1857. Later received government funding for a return in 1858 as Consul for the East Coast of Africa and wrote 2000 letters back to Britain. His next journey was to find the source of the Nile. He also aimed to ‘open up a path for commerce’ not linked to the slave trade. Found by Henry Stanley. Nyasaland was opened up by Livingstone.

John Kirk

A Scottish physician appointed chief medical officer and economic botanist on Livingstone’s Zambezi expedition. He collected aquatic species and sent them to Britain. Returned to Africa in 1868 as medical officer and Vice-Consul in Zanzibar and worked as a diplomat until 1886. Helped extend British influence in Zanzibar; by 1891 a government existed where the Sultan’s first minister was British.

Mary Slessor

Victorian mill girl from Dundee who lived among tribes in Calabar, Nigeria. She campaigned against the killing of twins and their mothers.

Amy Carmichael

From a Presbyterian family in Northern Ireland, worked 55 years in India and wrote 35 books. Rescued ‘temple children’ and set up a sanitarium in Tamil Nadu.

Cecil Rhodes

Cape Colony politician and Prime Minister (1890–96). Built a fortune through diamond mining (90% of world supply) with the Diamond Syndicate. Founded the British South Africa Company (charter 1889) and helped expand British control in South Africa.

Sir William Mackinnon

Scottish businessman who founded the Calcutta and Burma Steam Navigation Company in 1856. Later founded the Imperial British East Africa Company (charter 1888). Also founded a Scottish mission in Kibwezi, Kenya in 1891.

George Goldie

Founded the Central African Trading Company (1876), later merged into the United African Company. Secured 450 treaties with local chiefs. Led to British protectorates in Niger after the Berlin Conference. Chartered in 1886 and developed Northern Nigeria.

Evelyn Baring

British official in Egypt. Became Consul-General in 1882. Supported the Dufferin Report (1883) creating a puppet parliament and established a ‘veiled protectorate’, effectively ruling Egypt until 1907.

Bartle Frere

British official who helped suppress the Indian Mutiny (1857). Became Governor of Cape Colony (1877). Tried to enforce confederation and provoked war with the Zulus (1878). Removed after defeat at Isandlwana (1879).

How did missionaries help the growth of the Empire?

They opened territories by moving beyond frontiers, building relationships with indigenous peoples, and requesting British protection. Shared geographical knowledge and expanded Britain’s economic reach.

What were the Methodist missionaries doing?

Organising conferences to manage missions. Helped establish British rule in Fiji (1874), South African Conference (1882), and West Indies Conference (1885). John Mackenzie pushed for Bechuanaland protectorate.

How did missionaries work?

Built churches, compounds, farms, and housing in exchange for conversions.

Example of missionary conflict with indigenous people

In the 1880s the Anglican Church Missionary Society clashed with an African bishop in Niger; he resigned in 1891.

How was the colonial office set up?

Divided into 5 departments (North America, Australia, West Indies, Africa & Mediterranean, General). Headed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

How was India different?

After 1858 it had its own India Office and Secretary of State, reflecting the impact of the Indian Mutiny.

Early Indian administration

Previously run by the East India Company (EIC), with a large army mainly of sepoys. After 1858 control passed to the British government.

Government of India Act 1858

Ended EIC rule. Created Secretary of State for India and a council. Introduced a Viceroy. Established a structured civil service and legal system under British control.

How did the British improve EIC rule?

Greater respect for traditions, education support, infrastructure development. However, real power remained with British officials.

Indian Defence (1857–1890)

Army strengthened (70,000 British, 125,000 Indians). Railways improved troop movement. Imperial Police introduced.

Why did Britain fear other European powers?

German unification (1871), Russian expansion (Trans-Siberian Railway), and French ambitions after defeat in 1871.

Berlin Conference

Established rules for colonisation: free trade, protection of locals and missionaries, and ‘effective occupation’. 90% of Africa controlled by Europeans by 1900.

Informal Empire – Latin America

Major trade region (£80m in 1865). British investment and naval pressure maintained influence.

Brussels Conference (1876)

Led by King Leopold of Belgium to expand influence in Congo. Resulted in the Congo Free State (1885) and increased European competition.

Informal Empire – China

Britain used military force to maintain trade (Opium Wars). Gained Hong Kong and influence in Shanghai. (1856-1860)

Shift to formal empire

Establishment of protectorates (Zanzibar 1890, Uganda 1894, British East Africa 1895) and annexation of Sudan (1898).

What happened to British policy in Africa from the 1890s? What was it like before?

Policy became more assertive whereas before, it was generally cautious and for strategic or reactionary purposes and carried out by private chartered companies.

Why did British policy in Africa become more assertive during 1890s onwards?

The conservative government, elected 1895, was determined to uphold Britain's position in every part of the world, which was executed by expanding protectorates to defend against encroaching powers.

What impact did the Berlin conference have on colonisation?

"Effective occupation" under the General Act encouraged vigorous expansion for Britain and its rivals. 80% was under native control during 1884, 20 years later 10% remained.

When and how was Sierra Leone initially acquired?

1808 when the British government took control from the struggling Sierra Leone Company.

When and how was the rule in Sierra Leone consolidated?

1896 through establishment of a protectorate.

When and how was the Gold Coast initially acquired?

1867 through the Anglo-Dutch Gold Coast Treaty, establishing but not fully consolidating territories.

What were Rhodes' and Chamberlain's main ambitions in South Africa?

For a British confederation of South Africa to counter German expansion and Boer confidence from gold wealth.

When and how was the Transvaal initially acquired?

1877 when Britain annexed the Transvaal, claiming they were protecting white settlers from the indigenous populations after Boers conflict with the Pedi tribe. It declared independence in 1880.

What is the significance of the Uitlanders being denied citizenship?

It gave Britain justification for intervention within the Transvaal (Jameson Raid).

When was the Jameson Raid?

1895

What was the Jameson Raid?

A failed raid led by Jameson aiming to overthrow the Boer government by invading the Transvaal as Uitlanders were being denied voting rights.

Why did the Jameson Raid fail?

There were only 500 mounted police and no official military support, meaning the invasion was easily defeated.

What was the impact of the Jameson Raid?

It brought discredit on the British government, built up anti-British Boer sentiment and enshrined Kruger as a Boer hero for Boers living in the Cape.

How did the second Boer war start?

Negotiations after the Jameson Raid broke down and Boers invaded Natal before the British Army of South Africa could be reinforced.

What is the Peace of Vereeniging of May 1902?

The treaty that ended the war, making Boers British subjects and the Boer colonies became British colonies with the promise of self government.

What is the Union of South Africa?

Constitution drawn up by the PMs of the Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony and Natal with a single parliament. It became a single British Dominion territory in 1910.

How did Britain incorporate Ashantiland into the Gold Coast?

Britain demanded their King, Prempeh, to turn over the remainder of his empire to Britain as a protectorate, justifying themselves due to poor Anglo-Ashanti relations, but he refused - leading to the fourth Anglo-Ashanti war.

What happened during and after the fourth Anglo-Ashanti war?

Britain conquered Ashanti territories and forced Prempeh from his throne in 1896. An Ashanti uprising in 1900 led to formal annexation and incorporation into the Gold Coast in 1902.

Why was the formal annexation of Ashantiland significant?

It assured Britain's control over the Gold Coast under Governor Frederick Hodgson.

When and how was rule in the Transvaal consolidated?

1902, after the Second Boer War Boer colonies were incorporated into the British Union of South Africa.

When and how were Egypt and Sudan initially acquired?

1882 after a nationalist movement in Egypt allowed Britain to formalise control and end the Anglo-French dyarchy. This also gave them a level of control over Sudan.

When did the Madhist begin revolt in Sudan?

1881

What had the Madhist revolt done to Sudan's administration?

Weakened it: The country was plagued by internal conflict, resistance, disease and famine.

What were Gladstone's (liberal) and Salisbury's (conservative) differing views on Sudan's administration?

Gladstone believed in withdrawal of British troops from Egypt but Salisbury was adamant Egypt was vital to the security of the route to India, and controlling Sudan was consolidate this.

What were Salisbury's tow concerns about Egypt and Sudan?

The security of the route to India and the threat of foreign powers, French and German expansion in the Eats put control of the headwaters of the Nile at risk, which was vital for the welfare of Egypt.

How did foreign powers Germany, France and Italy keep away from the headwaters of the Nile? How did this benefit Britain?

Treaty with Germany exchanging Tanganyika for Kenya and Uganda, French persuaded to focus on the West and Italy expanded on Red Sea coast- diverting Khalifa's (who ascended the Madhi) attention from Egyptian borders?

What did Salibsury use to justify his campaign in Sudan?

Italian forces were defeated at Adowa in 1896, meaning diversionary forces were lost. The campaign was justified as a means to defend Italy and uphold civilisation and was welcomed as an avengence of General Gordon 1885.

What was Kitchener's role in Salisbury's Sudan campaign?

He was Commander-in-chief of the army and was ordered to penetrate as far as Dongola. However, he took this further and recruited pro-imperialist volunteers which allowed him to win the Battle of Omdurman 1898.

When was the Fashoda incident?

1898

What was the Fashoda incident?

Confrontation between British forces under Kitchener and French forces under Marchand, where both pressed their nation's claim to the area. Aware of the British army presence in Sudan, France backed down and agreed to stay out of Nile valley.

When was Anglo-Egyptian Sudan established?

1899

How was Anglo-Egyptian Sudan administrated?

As a condominium, where the British ran Sudan with Egyptian support. Lord Kitchener was appointed Governor-General and ruled in the name of the Khedive.

When and how were Northern and Southern Nigeria initially acquired?

During 1884 and 1885 through activities of the Royal Niger Company.

When and how was rule in Northern and Southern Nigeria consolidated?

United Nigeria was established in 1914.

What two things allowed Britain to incorporate Nigeria into the Gold Coast?

Britain could establish their claim to Nigeria by virtue of "effective occupation", showing the continuing impact of Goldie, as well as an agreement with the French in 1900 acknowledging their recognition of Britain's dominion.

When and how was British East Africa initially acquired?

1888 through activities of the Imperial British east Africa Company, arguably in reaction to foreign powers.

When and how was rule in British East Africa consolidated?

The Imperial British East Africa Company was taken over by formal protectorate in 1895, the same year as the Conservative election.

When and how was Zanzibar initially acquired?

1890 through treaty with Germany establishing spheres of influence in East Africa. Britain installed a puppet Sultan, Hamad bin Thuwaini.

What happened to Hamad bin Thuwaini and why is this significant in relation to British rule in Zanzibar?

He mysteriously died in 1896 and was ascended by his cousin Khalid, against the wishes of the British protectorate, resulting in confrontation that amounted to the 38 minutes war.

What was the 38 minute war and how did Britain reaffirm control?

When Khalid refused to stand down, Britain ordered a naval bombardment of his palace. He was overthrown in 38 minutes and Britain reaffirmed control by installed a pro-British Sultan Hamud who ruled for the following six years under British protection.

When and how was Nyasaland initially acquired?

Livingstone had opened up this territory and it had been settled by Scottish missionaries.

When and how was rule in Nyasaland consolidated?

It had come under control of the British South Africa Company, which was replaced by formal protectorate in 1907.

When and how was Matabeleland initially acquired?

1893 after military victory in the Matabele wars and the suppression of Matabele by the British South Africa Company and British troops.

When and how was rule in Matabeleland consolidated?

Territory was incorporated into Rhodesia in 1895.

When and how was Rhodesia initially acquired?

Founded by Cecil Rhodes and the British South Africa Company in 1895. Rhodes used force to establish settlers in the area.

When and how was rule in Rhodesia consolidated?

Under British South Africa Company administration, Southern Rhodesia Protectorate was established in 1901 and Northern Rhodesia Protectorate in 1911.

What is Buganda?

Large and powerful state in East Africa during the 18th-19th century formed by the think group of the Bugandan people.

How was Buganda initially acquired? What happened as a result?

Anglican and French Catholic missionaries had achieved significant conversion success. However, in 1886 King Mwanga attempted to assert authority and executed 50 missionaries provoking a civil war during which he fled.

How did Britain gain control over Buganda after the civil war?

He promised some of his sovreignity to the Imperial British east Africa Company in return for British backing and was restored in 1899. Mwanga signed a treaty with Lord Lugard ceding powers over trade, revenue and administarion to the Imperial British East Africa Company,

How did Buganda become Uganda?

In 1894, the powers of the BEAC were transferred to the crown and Buganda became a protectorate as part of Uganda.

Why is company activity significant in terms of control?

Company occupation gave way to formal control by the 1890s and proved the impact of "effective occupation".

What is the Uganda railway?

660 miles of track connecting the coast with fertile lands bordering Lake Victoria.

When was the Uganda railway constructed?

1896

Who supported the Uganda Railway and how was it justified?

Chamberlain and the Conservatives justified it as it enabled access to new markets, encouraged colonial settlement, facilitated tea and coffee exports and protected the source of the Nile.

Why was the Uganda railway known as the Lunatic Line?

Difficulties during construction: high human costs such as the Kedong massacre, where 500 labourers were killed by Masai tribesmen.

Why was the Uganda railway significant in relation to British rule?

It consolidated the Britains formal control of the East Africa Protectorate and Uganda by linking the colonies together and with the Indian Ocean.

When did British influence begin in Kenya?

After the Berlin Conference when Kenya fell into Britain's sphere of influence in East Africa.

Why was Kenya useful territory?

It provided a route from Uganda to the coast.