American Revolution and Slave Trade

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Questions and Answers

What was one of the key economic tensions that led to the American Revolution?

High tariffs on British exports

Low taxation on colonies

Trade restrictions with Ireland

Heavy taxation following the Seven Years' War (correct)

Which act gave the British East India Company a monopoly that contributed to colonial discontent?

Tea Act (correct)

Intolerable Acts

Sugar Act

Stamp Act

What was the economic impact of Britain losing the American colonies?

Increased imports from the Americas

Exports to America increased by 50%

Loss of a key market with a 50% drop in exports during the war (correct)

Gain of new markets in Asia

Which territories did Britain retain control of after losing the American colonies?

Canada, the Caribbean, and Gibraltar Signup and view all the answers

Which abolitionist was known for leading parliamentary campaigns against the slave trade?

William Wilberforce Signup and view all the answers

By the late 18th century, how many Africans had Britain transported through the slave trade?

Over 3 million Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the economic arguments for the abolition of the slave trade in 1807?

Declining profitability of plantations Signup and view all the answers

What event in 1783 signified Britain's loss of the American colonies?

Treaty of Paris Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant economic effect of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 for Britain?

Britain redirected trade to legitimate products like palm oil. Signup and view all the answers

Which naval battle was crucial for Britain's dominance during the Napoleonic Wars?

Battle of Trafalgar Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Treaty of Paris in 1815 for Britain?

Gain of territories such as Mauritius and Trinidad. Signup and view all the answers

Which commodity became a dominant export from West Africa to Britain by the 1860s?

Palm oil Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the formal partitioning of Africa among European powers?

The Berlin Conference Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding Britain's response to competition from Germany and the USA by 1914?

Britain faced criticism for its colonial exploitation. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain enter conflicts known as the Opium Wars with China?

To enforce the trade of opium, which was illegal in China. Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancements contributed to Britain's trade efficiency during the Industrial Revolution?

Steamships and railways. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant fiscal impact of the Boer Wars for Britain?

A financial cost of £200 million. Signup and view all the answers

After the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846, what was a primary goal for Britain?

To lower food prices and promote free trade. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

American Revolution and Aftermath

Britain lost its 13 American colonies due to economic and political tensions.
Key taxes/acts causing conflict included the Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act (1765), and Tea Act (1773).
The "no taxation without representation" slogan encapsulated colonial grievances.
Armed conflict started in 1775, culminating in the Treaty of Paris (1783), recognizing American independence.
Britain maintained control over territories like Canada and the Caribbean.

Transatlantic Slave Trade and Abolition

Britain dominated the transatlantic slave trade, transporting over 3 million Africans (1700–1807).
This trade was integral to a triangular system (Africa, Americas, Britain).
British industrial growth relied in part on profits from slavery.
William Wilberforce led parliamentary campaigns for abolition.
Olaudah Equiano, a former enslaved person, was a prominent abolitionist writer.
The Slavery Abolition Act (1833) abolished slavery, costing £20 million (40% of the UK's budget).
This shifted trade focus to "legitimate trade" like palm oil exports.

Napoleonic Wars

Britain, through naval dominance (Battle of Trafalgar, 1805), crippled French trade and funded alliances.
Britain significantly gained from the increased global trade during the war.
Britain's dominance enabled it to gain colonies (Mauritius, Trinidad, Cape of Good Hope).

Expansion into Africa

After 1807, Britain promoted "legitimate trade" like palm oil, replacing the slave trade.
The Berlin Conference (1884–85) saw Africa partitioned amongst European powers.
Britain gained territories in West and Southern Africa.
The Boer Wars (1880–81, 1899–1902) resulted in the creation of the Union of South Africa under British control.

Trade and Industrialization

Britain became a leading exporter and "workshop of the world" due to the Industrial Revolution.
Cotton textiles constituted a significant portion of British exports (50% in the 1830s-1850s).
The repeal of the Corn Laws (1846) lowered food prices and promoted free trade.
Britain enjoyed the advantages of free trade but faced rising competition from Germany and the U.S. (British manufacturing share dropping).

Britain-China Relations: Opium Wars

Britain exported opium to China, despite its illegality.
Conflict between Britain and China (First Opium War, 1839–42) led to the Treaty of Nanking gaining access for Britain into China.
The Second Opium War (1856–60) further expanded British influence and trade concessions.

Challenges to British Dominance

Britain faced increasing competition in manufacturing and industry from Germany and the USA.
Nationalist movements within some colonies (e.g., Ireland, Africa) challenged imperial control.
The exploitation of colonies and lack of investment in domestic industry came under scrutiny.

Key Statistics

Britain held an extensive empire, reaching 400 million people and covering 25% of the world's landmass by 1914.
Britain's industrial output in 1750–1850 comprised over 40% of Europe’s total.
50% of British exports were textiles in the 1830s–1850s.

Conclusion

Britain's empire shifted with periods of loss (American colonies) and gain (e.g., African territories), and industrialization, naval strength, and a global trade network supported the empire.
From 1763 to 1914 growth and dominance were challenged by nationalism and industrial rivals.

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Description

Explore the pivotal events of the American Revolution and the complexities of the transatlantic slave trade. This quiz covers key acts and figures from both movements, including the significance of British economic interests and abolition efforts. Test your knowledge on how these historical events shaped modern society.