A-Level History (OCR) > The British Empire: Expansion and Decline > Flashcards

The British Empire: Expansion and Decline Flashcards

Analyse the development, governance and decline of the British Empire and its global impact. (108 cards)

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1
Q

Which uprising in 1857 led to major changes in British rule in India?

A

Indian Mutiny

Also called the Indian Rebellion; it ended East India Company rule.

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2
Q

Name three consequences of the 1857 Indian Mutiny.

A
  • British Crown takes control
  • Indian Army reorganised drastically
  • Rise of Indian nationalism
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3
Q

Fill in the blank:

After 1858, India was governed directly by the British _______.

A

Crown

The Government of India Act transferred authority from the East India Company.

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4
Q

Which waterway opened in 1869 became strategically vital to the British Empire?

A

Suez Canal

It provided a shorter sea route between Britain and India.

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5
Q

Which country did Britain occupy in 1882 to secure the Suez Canal?

A

Egypt

Britain established effective control despite nominal Ottoman rule.

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6
Q

True or False:

Control of Egypt was mainly important for access to India.

A

True

The canal shortened the route to Britain’s most valuable colony.

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7
Q

Which region experienced intense European competition during the late nineteenth century?

A

Africa

European powers rapidly expanded colonial territories.

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8
Q

What term describes the rapid division of Africa among European powers?

A

Scramble for Africa

It occurred mainly between the 1880s and early 1900s.

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9
Q

What form of control involves economic influence without direct political rule?

A

Informal empire

Britain often dominated trade without formal annexation.

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10
Q

Which organisations governed overseas territories and promoted trade?

A

Chartered companies

They operated with government charters and commercial privileges.

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11
Q

Which chartered company played a key role in southern African expansion?

A

British South Africa Company

It was associated with Cecil Rhodes.

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12
Q

Which group explored unknown regions and helped generate imperial interest?

A

Explorers

Their reports increased knowledge and public fascination.

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13
Q

Which group spread Christianity and Western education in imperial territories?

A

Missionaries

They often encouraged British involvement overseas.

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14
Q

Which economic actors expanded trade networks across the empire?

A

Traders

Commercial opportunities encouraged imperial expansion.

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15
Q

True or False:

Colonial administrators were responsible for governing imperial territories.

A

True

They implemented British policies and controlled local administration.

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16
Q

What general attitude toward empire grew among many Britons in the late nineteenth century?

A

Imperial enthusiasm

Many saw empire as a source of prestige and power.

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17
Q

Which political issue created debate between parties in Britain?

A

Imperial expansion

Some politicians supported expansion while others criticised it.

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18
Q

What term describes the belief that empire strengthened Britain’s global status?

A

Imperialism

Supporters saw empire as economically and strategically vital.

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19
Q

Which African region experienced significant British settlement and conflict?

A

Southern Africa

British settlers clashed with both Boers and African communities.

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20
Q

Which settlers resisted British authority in southern Africa?

A

Boers

They are descendants of Dutch settlers.

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21
Q

Which African ethnic groups lived in southern Africa during British expansion?

A

Bantu peoples

They were affected by colonial policies and conflict.

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22
Q

Which conflict in 1899–1902 was fought between Britain and Boer republics?

A

Boer War

Britain ultimately defeated the Boer states.

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23
Q

Name three causes of the 1899 Boer War.

A
  • Struggle for gold wealth
  • British imperial expansion aims
  • Uitlander rights disputes
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24
Q

True or False:

The Boer War revealed weaknesses in British military organisation.

A

True

The war exposed logistical and recruitment problems.

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25
Rank the three consequences of the **Boer War for Britain**.
* Massive financial war burden * Military weaknesses exposed * Imperial prestige significantly damaged
26
Which **African region** became a focus of **British expansion during the late nineteenth century**?
Sudan ## Footnote Britain sought control along the Nile.
27
Which **battle in 1898** secured British **control of Sudan**?
Battle of Omdurman ## Footnote British forces defeated the Mahdist army.
28
Which **British politician** supported **imperial expansion** in the late nineteenth century?
Joseph Chamberlain ## Footnote He was Colonial Secretary and promoted the empire.
29
Which **imperial entrepreneur** promoted **British expansion** in southern Africa?
Cecil Rhodes ## Footnote He advocated for territorial expansion and economic exploitation.
30
# Fill in the blank: Cecil Rhodes helped establish the territory named _\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Rhodesia ## Footnote Named after him during British colonial expansion.
31
What **role** did **colonial administrators** play in the empire?
Governance of colonies ## Footnote They implemented British law and policies locally.
32
Which **policy** managed **colonial populations** through indirect rule?
Native policy ## Footnote It governed relations between colonial authorities and indigenous peoples.
33
What **economic activity** linked Britain to its empire through **trade networks**?
Imperial commerce ## Footnote Raw materials flowed to Britain while manufactured goods were exported.
34
What term describes Britain’s concern about **national efficiency and competitiveness**?
National Efficiency ## Footnote It arose partly after the Boer War exposed weaknesses.
35
# True or False: **National Efficiency debates** were influenced by **Britain’s imperial challenges**.
True ## Footnote Military and economic competition encouraged reform debates.
36
Which **cultural medium** helped popularise **imperial ideas** in Britain?
Popular culture ## Footnote Literature, exhibitions and media celebrated empire.
37
Which type of **public event** promoted **imperial pride and identity**?
Imperial exhibitions ## Footnote These showcased colonial products and cultures.
38
Which **organisation** promoted **imperial unity and cooperation**?
Imperial Federation movement ## Footnote Supporters wanted closer political ties across the empire.
39
What **criticism** did some British politicians make about **imperial expansion**?
High cost of empire ## Footnote Critics argued empire was expensive and risky.
40
What **concern** did critics raise about the **moral impact of imperialism**?
Exploitation of colonised peoples ## Footnote Some argued empire oppressed indigenous populations.
41
Which **African river valley** became strategically important for **imperial control**?
Nile Valley ## Footnote Control of the Nile secured routes to Egypt.
42
Which **crisis** in 1898 involved **Britain** and **France** competing for control in **Sudan**?
Fashoda Incident ## Footnote It nearly caused war between the two powers.
43
Which **colonial conflict** strengthened British resolve to maintain control in Africa?
Mahdist uprising ## Footnote Sudanese resistance challenged British authority.
44
# True or False: British **imperial policy** often combined **economic interests with strategic concerns**.
True ## Footnote Trade routes and resources were major motivations.
45
What long-term **administrative change** occurred in **India after 1857**?
Direct British rule ## Footnote The British Raj replaced company administration.
46
Which **institution** represented **British authority in India after 1858**?
Viceroy ## Footnote The Viceroy governed India on behalf of the Crown.
47
What **challenge to British rule** emerged in some colonies during the **early twentieth century**?
Nationalist resistance ## Footnote Local populations increasingly demanded self-rule.
48
How did the Boer War significantly shape **British imperial policy between 1899 and 1902**?
It forced reconsideration of imperial defence and administration.
49
Which **social group in Britain** often supported **imperial expansion**?
Middle classes ## Footnote Many believed empire strengthened Britain economically.
50
Which **political debate** concerned whether Britain should **expand or limit empire**?
Imperial policy debate ## Footnote Parties disagreed about expansion and governance.
51
Which **transport route** became vital for **British trade and communication with Asia**?
Suez Canal route ## Footnote It shortened maritime travel significantly.
52
# True or False: Control of **strategic transport routes** was a key motive for **imperial expansion**.
True ## Footnote Routes such as the Suez Canal were crucial to empire.
53
By **1914**, what **geographical feature** characterised the **British Empire**?
Global reach ## Footnote Britain controlled territories across several continents.
54
What term describes the period when **Britain’s empire reached its greatest extent**?
High water mark ## Footnote This occurred in the early twentieth century.
55
What **political and economic system** linked Britain with its **colonies by 1914**?
Imperial system ## Footnote Trade, administration and defence connected imperial territories.
56
What **challenge** increasingly threatened **British imperial dominance by 1914**?
Rising nationalism ## Footnote Colonised peoples increasingly resisted imperial control.
57
What **global conflict beginning in 1914** significantly weakened **European empires**?
First World War ## Footnote War strained imperial resources and encouraged nationalist movements.
58
What **international organisation** granted Britain control over **former Ottoman territories after 1919**?
League of Nations ## Footnote Territories were governed as Mandates under League supervision.
59
# Fill in the blank: Territories governed on behalf of the **League of Nations** were called _\_\_\_\_\_\_.
Mandates ## Footnote Britain administered areas such as Palestine and Iraq.
60
Which **global conflict** between 1939 and 1945 further weakened **Britain’s imperial power**?
Second World War ## Footnote The war exhausted Britain economically and militarily.
61
Which **major colony** gained independence from Britain in **1947**?
India ## Footnote Independence followed decades of nationalist pressure.
62
# True or False: The **independence of India** marked a major turning point in the **decline of the British Empire**.
True ## Footnote It ended British rule over its largest colony.
63
Which **political leader** became the most influential figure in the **Indian independence movement**?
Mahatma Gandhi ## Footnote He promoted nonviolent resistance to British rule.
64
Which **method of protest** was central to **Gandhi’s political strategy**?
Nonviolent resistance ## Footnote Known as satyagraha, it relied on peaceful protest.
65
What form of **governmental relationship** linked Britain and its **self-governing territories** such as Canada and Australia?
Dominions ## Footnote They enjoyed significant autonomy within the empire.
66
Which **1931 law** recognized the **legislative independence** of the Dominions?
Statute of Westminster ## Footnote Granted full autonomy in domestic and foreign affairs.
67
# True or False: The **Statute of Westminster** strengthened **direct British control over the Dominions**.
False ## Footnote It recognised their independence.
68
Which **region of the Middle East** saw Britain withdraw from **direct rule after the Second World War**?
Palestine ## Footnote Britain ended its mandate in 1948.
69
What term describes the **gradual dismantling of colonial empires**?
Decolonisation ## Footnote It accelerated after the Second World War.
70
Name an **economic impact** the **world wars** had on the British Empire.
Britain became heavily indebted to the United States ## Footnote War debts and reconstruction weakened Britain’s finances.
71
What **imperial defence concern** shaped British policy during the interwar years?
Strategic security ## Footnote Britain aimed to protect key imperial routes and territories.
72
Which **trade system** linked **Britain** and its empire economically?
Imperial trade networks ## Footnote Colonies supplied raw materials and bought British goods.
73
What **cultural idea** promoted **loyalty to empire within Britain**?
Imperial identity ## Footnote Empire was celebrated in education and media.
74
Name three forms of popular culture that present **positive images of empire** in Britain.
* Films * Literature * Exhibitions ## Footnote These mediums glorified imperial power.
75
# True or False: Imperial **propaganda** often portrayed empire as a **civilising mission**.
True ## Footnote It justified British rule as beneficial to colonised peoples.
76
What term describes the development of **distinct identities among colonised populations**?
Colonial identity ## Footnote Many groups increasingly rejected imperial rule.
77
Which **political development** occurred in many colonies during the **early twentieth century**?
Rise of nationalism ## Footnote Movements demanded independence from colonial rule.
78
Which **type of protest** challenged **British rule in many colonies**?
Anti-colonial resistance ## Footnote Demonstrations, strikes and uprisings occurred.
79
Which **African regions** experienced growing **nationalist movements during the mid-twentieth century**?
Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire ## Footnote Many territories sought independence after 1945.
80
What phrase used by **Harold Macmillan** described the growth of **African nationalism**?
Wind of Change ## Footnote It acknowledged the inevitability of decolonisation.
81
Which **international crisis in 1956** demonstrated **Britain’s declining imperial power**?
Suez Crisis ## Footnote Britain failed to regain control of the canal after Egyptian nationalisation.
82
What was the cause of the **Suez Crisis**?
Nasser nationalised Suez Canal after funding withdrawn
83
What were the consequences of the 1956 Suez Crisis?
* Britain’s global power weakened * Nasser’s Arab prestige strengthened * Egypt kept the Suez Canal ## Footnote It exposed Britain’s dependence on the United States.
84
Which **international organisation** replaced the empire as a **network of former colonies**?
Commonwealth ## Footnote Independent nations maintained voluntary association with Britain.
85
Which **region** experienced widespread **decolonisation in the 1950s and 1960s**?
Africa ## Footnote Many colonies gained independence during this period.
86
What term describes the **economic rebuilding** of Britain after the Second World War?
Post-war reconstruction ## Footnote Resources were focused on domestic recovery.
87
Which **economic priority** reduced Britain’s ability to **maintain empire after 1945**?
Domestic recovery ## Footnote Reconstruction required major financial resources.
88
What **role** did **colonial administrators** play during **decolonisation**?
Managing transition ## Footnote They negotiated independence arrangements.
89
# True or False: Britain attempted to maintain **strong economic and political ties** with former colonies after independence.
True ## Footnote These links were often maintained through the Commonwealth.
90
What **migration trend** increased between **Britain and former colonies after 1945**?
Commonwealth migration ## Footnote Workers moved to Britain from Caribbean and Asian territories.
91
What **cultural influence** did the **empire continue to have after decolonisation**?
Imperial legacy ## Footnote Language, institutions and culture remained connected.
92
What term describes the ongoing **influence of empire on British society and culture**?
Post-colonial legacy ## Footnote Imperial history shaped politics and identity.
93
Which **violent uprising** occurred in **Kenya during the 1950s**?
Mau Mau rebellion ## Footnote It challenged British colonial rule.
94
Name three causes of the Mau Mau Rebellion.
* Kikuyu land massively seized * Harsh economic colonial policies * African nationalism repressed violently
95
Which **African colony** experienced conflict with **British authorities during the Mau Mau uprising**?
Kenya ## Footnote The rebellion led to harsh repression.
96
# True or False: The **Mau Mau rebellion** was a **peaceful protest** movement.
False ## Footnote It involved violent conflict between rebels and colonial forces.
97
Rank the three consequences of the Mau Mau Rebellion, in order of significance.
* Kenya’s independence process accelerated * Mass Kenyan casualties occurred * Ethnic divisions deepened politically
98
What was a major **cause of nationalist resistance in many colonies**?
Desire for independence ## Footnote Colonised populations sought political self-determination.
99
Which **southern African territory** declared **independence unilaterally in 1965**?
Rhodesia ## Footnote The white minority government rejected British decolonisation plans.
100
# Fill in the blank: Rhodesia’s **unilateral declaration of independence** occurred in _\_\_\_\_\_\_.
1965 ## Footnote Britain refused to recognise the government.
101
What **political issue** caused conflict between **Britain and Rhodesia after 1965**?
Minority rule ## Footnote White settlers attempted to maintain political control.
102
What **international pressure** increased during the **decolonisation period**?
Anti-colonial opinion ## Footnote Global opinion increasingly opposed colonial rule.
103
Which **economic relationship** continued between **Britain and former colonies**?
Trade links ## Footnote Many former colonies remained economically connected to Britain.
104
Which **political trend** characterised many **newly independent states**?
Nation-building ## Footnote New governments attempted to establish stable institutions.
105
# True or False: **Decolonisation** completely ended **Britain’s global influence**.
False ## Footnote Britain remained influential through diplomacy and trade.
106
By **1967**, what had largely replaced the **British Empire**?
Commonwealth network ## Footnote Independent states cooperated voluntarily.
107
What long-term **global change** occurred between **1914 and 1967 regarding empire**?
Collapse of empire ## Footnote Most colonies gained independence.
108
What **political transformation** reshaped **Britain’s global role by the late twentieth century**?
Post-imperial identity ## Footnote Britain increasingly focused on domestic and international alliances rather than empire.
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