Section 1: The Development of Imperialism c1857-c1890 Chapter 1: The Expansion of the British Empire in Africa
Chapter 1: The Expansion of the British Empire in Africa
How did Britain Govern the Empire in 1857?
• By 1857 Britain controlled a vast territorial empire which was spread across all continents of the world
• The territory eclipsed those of its formal rivals- the Portuguese, Spanish and the Dutch
• Britain had the largest, most powerful navy in the world. It was also the richest, most developed industrial
economy in the world and was therefore able to dominate global affairs
• Many Britons viewed the Empire with indifference, some believed it was a burden rather than a benefit
• The way the Empire was ruled was inconsistent largely because there was often a political ‘tradition’ which
prescribed what forma of power were legitimate in the eyes of the local elite – which the Empire relied on their
support. The ‘policy’ therefore was to accept wide local variations and leave much up to the discretion of the
men of the spot. This was also partly because of the slow communications
• Colonies of Settlement: these were colonies that were largely peopled by white settlers from Britain. They
gained a form of ‘responsible government’ which mean they had their own government ministers who were
answerable to an elected parliament
• Crown Colonies: The rest of the Empire was made up of crown colonies. Most of these colonies were almost
entirely non-European so was seen by the British as not fit for ‘responsible government’. These colonies were
administrated directly be a governor appointed by the British crown. They were mostly developed for trading
purposes
• India: India stood apart from the rest of the Empire because of its size, importance for trade, riches, immense
population and because it was ruled by the East India Company until 1858 who had been given a royal charter
to do so
• Informal Empire: These were territories that were influences by the British even if not directly ruled by them.
British traders backed by the powerful Royal Navy could exert influence over local rulers through
advantageous trading agreements. These were not officially part of the Empire
• Protectorate – an area with its own ruler, but placed under the protection of the British crown which
controlled its military and influenced domestic policy through advisers
• Settlement – a loose term to denote an area containing British settlers and under British control
• Occupied – an area containing British settlers/military force but not under British control
• Client State – an area with its own ruler but with strong British influences which restrict the ruler’s
independence politically, militarily and economically
• Chartered Company Rule – an area ruled by a trading company with a special licence by the government
which gives it political and economic rights
• Veiled Protectorate – a state controlled by another in an indirect manner
Why did the British Empire Expand in Africa?
• Moral factors: Christian missionaries saw it was their duty to spread their faith among non-Christian peoples.
Empire was a force for ‘civilisation’ and ‘enlightenment’ and there was a powerful body of Christian
philanthropists
• Trade and the Economy: The industrial revolution had made Empire possible. British merchants opened up
new roots inland to discover new raw materials which could be used to manufacture a product which could
then be sold back to Arica (materials such as rubber, gold, diamonds, ivory and oil). The Empire also provided
investment opportunities
• Strategic factors: Britain wanted to have global dominance: France and Germany had emerged as a new
threat. The loss of the American colonies in the 18th century caused the ‘swing to the east’. Britain’s coastal
interests in west Africa demanded protections so forts were built along the Gold Coast. The Cape Colony in
South Africa protected Britain’s sea routs to India and other areas of the Empire
• Personal Influence: Merchants- Imperialists such as George Goldie and Cecil Rhodes capitalised on new
commodities. Victorian explorers sought and traced the continent’s waterways, publishing thier findings,
producing maps and spreading tales of adventure
Chapter 1: The Expansion of the British Empire in Africa
How did Britain Govern the Empire in 1857?
• By 1857 Britain controlled a vast territorial empire which was spread across all continents of the world
• The territory eclipsed those of its formal rivals- the Portuguese, Spanish and the Dutch
• Britain had the largest, most powerful navy in the world. It was also the richest, most developed industrial
economy in the world and was therefore able to dominate global affairs
• Many Britons viewed the Empire with indifference, some believed it was a burden rather than a benefit
• The way the Empire was ruled was inconsistent largely because there was often a political ‘tradition’ which
prescribed what forma of power were legitimate in the eyes of the local elite – which the Empire relied on their
support. The ‘policy’ therefore was to accept wide local variations and leave much up to the discretion of the
men of the spot. This was also partly because of the slow communications
• Colonies of Settlement: these were colonies that were largely peopled by white settlers from Britain. They
gained a form of ‘responsible government’ which mean they had their own government ministers who were
answerable to an elected parliament
• Crown Colonies: The rest of the Empire was made up of crown colonies. Most of these colonies were almost
entirely non-European so was seen by the British as not fit for ‘responsible government’. These colonies were
administrated directly be a governor appointed by the British crown. They were mostly developed for trading
purposes
• India: India stood apart from the rest of the Empire because of its size, importance for trade, riches, immense
population and because it was ruled by the East India Company until 1858 who had been given a royal charter
to do so
• Informal Empire: These were territories that were influences by the British even if not directly ruled by them.
British traders backed by the powerful Royal Navy could exert influence over local rulers through
advantageous trading agreements. These were not officially part of the Empire
• Protectorate – an area with its own ruler, but placed under the protection of the British crown which
controlled its military and influenced domestic policy through advisers
• Settlement – a loose term to denote an area containing British settlers and under British control
• Occupied – an area containing British settlers/military force but not under British control
• Client State – an area with its own ruler but with strong British influences which restrict the ruler’s
independence politically, militarily and economically
• Chartered Company Rule – an area ruled by a trading company with a special licence by the government
which gives it political and economic rights
• Veiled Protectorate – a state controlled by another in an indirect manner
Why did the British Empire Expand in Africa?
• Moral factors: Christian missionaries saw it was their duty to spread their faith among non-Christian peoples.
Empire was a force for ‘civilisation’ and ‘enlightenment’ and there was a powerful body of Christian
philanthropists
• Trade and the Economy: The industrial revolution had made Empire possible. British merchants opened up
new roots inland to discover new raw materials which could be used to manufacture a product which could
then be sold back to Arica (materials such as rubber, gold, diamonds, ivory and oil). The Empire also provided
investment opportunities
• Strategic factors: Britain wanted to have global dominance: France and Germany had emerged as a new
threat. The loss of the American colonies in the 18th century caused the ‘swing to the east’. Britain’s coastal
interests in west Africa demanded protections so forts were built along the Gold Coast. The Cape Colony in
South Africa protected Britain’s sea routs to India and other areas of the Empire
• Personal Influence: Merchants- Imperialists such as George Goldie and Cecil Rhodes capitalised on new
commodities. Victorian explorers sought and traced the continent’s waterways, publishing thier findings,
producing maps and spreading tales of adventure
