Britain in the 19th Century

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Questions and Answers

By the end of the century, what did Britain's empire become?

Culturally isolated

Economically weak

Commercially dominant

Politically dominant (correct)

What was the approximate population of Britain in 1815?

10 million

30 million

13 million (correct)

20 million

What was the main change in the political balance by the end of the century?

Most men gained the right to vote (correct)

The monarchy became more powerful

Women gained the right to vote

The aristocracy gained more power

What was the theme of William BdlScan's painting 'Iron and Coal'?

Pride in labour and industry Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the growth of the middle class?

The rise of the industrial revolution Signup and view all the answers

What was the main implication of Britain being the 'workshop of the world'?

Britain produced more goods than any other country Signup and view all the answers

What was the characteristic of the British people during the mid-nineteenth century?

National pride and self-confidence Signup and view all the answers

What was the situation of the working class by the end of the century?

They had not yet found a proper voice Signup and view all the answers

What was the main source of Britain's strength in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon?

Its industry and trade Signup and view all the answers

What was Britain's primary aim in Europe after the defeat of Napoleon?

To maintain a balance of power Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nations limited Russia's influence in Europe?

Prussia and the empires of Austria and Turkey Signup and view all the answers

What was Britain's primary objective outside of Europe?

To defend its trade interests Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain take over and occupy various places around the world?

To defend its trade interests and maintain a strong trading position Signup and view all the answers

What was Britain's main anxiety in its foreign policy during the 19th century?

The expansion of Russian influence in the Balkans Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of Britain's defense of its interests in the 19th century?

The colonization of new regions around the world Signup and view all the answers

Why did Britain not wish to colonize everywhere?

Because it had no interest in many areas Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Britain in the 19th Century

Britain was at its most powerful and self-confident in the 19th century.
After the Industrial Revolution, Britain was the "workshop of the world," producing more than any other country.
By the end of the century, Britain's empire was more political than commercial, controlling large areas of the world.

British Empire and Imperialism

Britain used its empire to control large areas of the world, giving the British a sense of their own importance.
The empire was a major feature of British life, and the British took pride in their imperial possessions.

Middle Class and Industrialization

The rapid growth of the middle class was part of the enormous rise in population, from 13 million in 1815 to over 40 million by 1914.
The growth of the middle class was driven by industrialization, and most men had the right to vote by the end of the century.

Working Class and Politics

The working class, who had left their villages to become factory workers, had not yet found a proper voice in politics.
The aristocracy and the Crown had little power left by 1914, and politics and government were increasingly controlled by the middle class.

Britain's Strength in Europe

Britain's strength in Europe lay not in its population, but in its industry and trade, and its navy, which protected its trade.
Britain wanted a "balance of power" in Europe, which would prevent any single nation from becoming too strong.
Britain also wanted a free market in which its industrial and trade superiority would give it a clear advantage.

Britain's Foreign Policy

Britain wanted to defend its trading position and keep its interests strong, and it defended its interests by keeping ships of its navy in almost every ocean.
Britain took over and occupied several places during the war against Napoleon, including Mauritius, the Ionian Islands, Sierra Leone, Cape Colony, Ceylon, and Singapore.
Britain's main anxiety in its foreign policy was that Russia would try to expand southwards into the Mediterranean.