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What was a primary reason for Britain's interest in Bechuanaland in 1885?
What was a primary reason for Britain's interest in Bechuanaland in 1885?
What role did chartered companies play for Britain in the late 19th century?
What role did chartered companies play for Britain in the late 19th century?
By 1913, what percentage of Britain's total exports was represented by the empire?
By 1913, what percentage of Britain's total exports was represented by the empire?
How did the introduction of the Sterling Area in 1931 impact Britain's economy?
How did the introduction of the Sterling Area in 1931 impact Britain's economy?
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What was one significant effect of World War I on Britain's economic ties with its empire?
What was one significant effect of World War I on Britain's economic ties with its empire?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding Britain's trade policies during the Great Depression?
Which of the following statements is true regarding Britain's trade policies during the Great Depression?
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What contributed to the rise of nationalist movements within British colonies during World War I?
What contributed to the rise of nationalist movements within British colonies during World War I?
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What led to the economic decline of Britain's textile industry after World War I?
What led to the economic decline of Britain's textile industry after World War I?
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How did British overseas investment change between 1900 and 1914?
How did British overseas investment change between 1900 and 1914?
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What was a major consequence of Britain's extensive reliance on imports during the colonial period?
What was a major consequence of Britain's extensive reliance on imports during the colonial period?
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What ultimately weakened Britain's capacity to maintain its empire after World War II?
What ultimately weakened Britain's capacity to maintain its empire after World War II?
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Which of the following best describes the impact of the Great Depression on trade with the empire?
Which of the following best describes the impact of the Great Depression on trade with the empire?
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What role did the military expenditures play in Britain's economic strategy during the early 20th century?
What role did the military expenditures play in Britain's economic strategy during the early 20th century?
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What was one significant outcome of Britain's reliance on colonial raw materials during the period of 1857-1890?
What was one significant outcome of Britain's reliance on colonial raw materials during the period of 1857-1890?
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Which infrastructure development in the 1860s significantly reduced travel distance for British trade from India?
Which infrastructure development in the 1860s significantly reduced travel distance for British trade from India?
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What economic doctrine did Britain abandon during the mid-19th century in favor of free trade?
What economic doctrine did Britain abandon during the mid-19th century in favor of free trade?
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What role did the British navy play in the context of imperialism during this period?
What role did the British navy play in the context of imperialism during this period?
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Which event led to a significant British annexation in response to fears of Russian expansion?
Which event led to a significant British annexation in response to fears of Russian expansion?
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Which concept did Robinson and Gallagher propose regarding British imperialism’s influence?
Which concept did Robinson and Gallagher propose regarding British imperialism’s influence?
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What was a consequence of the introduction of British manufactured goods to Indian markets?
What was a consequence of the introduction of British manufactured goods to Indian markets?
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Which of the following was significant about the development of railways in the colonies?
Which of the following was significant about the development of railways in the colonies?
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Which region's imports became significantly reliant on British goods by the 1870s, especially after the Suez Canal opened?
Which region's imports became significantly reliant on British goods by the 1870s, especially after the Suez Canal opened?
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Which weapon development contributed to Britain's success in imperial conquest?
Which weapon development contributed to Britain's success in imperial conquest?
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What percentage of the world’s trade was Britain responsible for during this period?
What percentage of the world’s trade was Britain responsible for during this period?
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Which of the following was identified as a major reason for Britain seeking new markets through colonialism?
Which of the following was identified as a major reason for Britain seeking new markets through colonialism?
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What concept best describes Britain's strategy of economic influence without direct control?
What concept best describes Britain's strategy of economic influence without direct control?
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In which year did exports from Britain to non-Empire territories reach £131 million?
In which year did exports from Britain to non-Empire territories reach £131 million?
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Study Notes
Trade and Commerce (1857-1947)
- Industrial revolution solidified Britain's position as a leading trading nation, driven by urbanization, mass production, and increased consumption. This led to Britain being reliant on imports from its colonies by 1857.
- Britain and its colonies developed a cyclical dependency: The colonies provided raw materials to British industry, which transformed them into finished goods. The colonies were then obligated to purchase these finished goods from Britain.
- This system led to deindustrialization in India due to restrictions on Indian goods within Britain and increased availability of low-cost British goods in India's markets.
- Britain accounted for 60% of global trade in coal, cotton, and iron and produced 50% of global exports in these goods.
- The City of London emerged as the world's financial capital.
- The development of the steam engine in the 1850s and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 significantly boosted global trade and reduced travel times.
- Increased British influence in Egypt due to cotton shortages after the American Civil War (1861-1865).
- British investment and control of railways in colonies were used to consolidate Britain's influence and increase dependence on Britain.
- British ambitions in Africa were formalised via the Berlin Conference of 1884-85.
- Railways were a significant investment in settler colonies, offering access to interior resources and fostering commercial expansion.
- The mid-19th century saw a move away from mercantilism towards free trade in Britain, reducing regulations on imports and exports.
- New markets were created in South America, the Middle East, and China.
- British imperialism was driven by both formal annexation and informal influence (control over markets).
- The Second Opium War (1856-1860) and the Treaty of Tientsin (1858) opened Chinese markets to British merchants.
- The Cold War and domestic economic issues in Britain created pressures to reduce imperial ties.
- British reliance on raw materials from colonies was impacted by growing nationalism and protectionist measures in its colonies (e.g., Indian nationalist movement).
- Colonial ties were further weakened by the economic strains of World War I (WWI).
- The empire was no longer the primary source of Britain's trade.
Benefits of Empire
- The British Empire guaranteed access to raw materials, and guaranteed markets for British goods.
- Colonies supplied cheaper raw resources and products and increased British imports.
- Colonies became increasingly reliant on British imports, and these markets were particularly important for India.
- The empire provided major increases in trade with colonies as the British economy grew.
- Further investment in infrastructure was made in the empire.
- Growing Imperialism (especially after 1870s) created an increasingly reliant and connected trading system.
1914-1947
- WWI affected colonial ties, leading to a decline in economic ties with the empire due to a decrease in economic ties with the empire and the rise of competing industrial powers.
- British imports and exports to and from colonies fell after WWI.
- Growing nationalism within colonies reduced dependence on British markets.
- Economic issues in Britain post-WWI resulted in a decline in imperial trading relations and increased dependence on domestic issues.
- The empire's importance to British trade and commerce decreased significantly.
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Description
Explore the dynamic relationship between Britain and its colonies from 1857 to 1947. This quiz covers the impact of the industrial revolution, colonial dependencies, and the emergence of London as a financial hub. Test your knowledge on how these developments shaped global trade during this period.
