AQA AS HISTORY The British Empire, c1857–1967 Component 1J The High Water Mark of the British Empire, c1857–1914 Wednesday 17 May 2023

AQA AS HISTORY The British Empire, c1857–1967 Component 1J The High Water Mark of the British Empire, c1857–1914 Wednesday 17 May 2023 Afternoon Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes Materials For this paper you must have: • an AQA 16-page answer book. Instructions • Use black ink or black ball-point pen. • Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7041/1J. • Answer two questions. In Section A answer Question 01. In Section B answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Information • The marks for questions are shown in brackets. • The maximum mark for this paper is 50. • You will be marked on your ability to: – use good English – organise information clearly – use specialist vocabulary where appropriate. Advice • You are advised to spend about: – 50 minutes on Section A – 40 minutes on Section B. Section A Answer Question 01. Extract A Egypt had to be subdued to secure the Suez Canal, an imperial lifeline since 1875 when Disraeli had bought shares in it. Its strategic importance was clear as a route to and from India through which troops could pass. The Canal was vital for British trade, as both exports and imports were shipped through it but Egyptian nationalism in 1882, and the prospect of anti-European protests, threatened the safety of the Canal. Gladstone had to pounce quickly, as Arabi Pasha might have secured recognition as the ruler of Egypt. Gladstone declared that Britain was ‘saving Egypt from anarchy’, and the installation of a Consul-General demonstrated Britain’s determination to create a stable Egypt. By 1885, the Canal had been secured. Adapted from L James, Empires in the Sun: The Struggle for the Mastery of Africa, 2016 5 Extract B By 1875 Disraeli had established a British government interest in Egypt by buying shares in the Suez Canal. However, this was only the beginning of Britain’s formal economic involvement in Egypt, and it was soon extended by the implementation of Dual Control in 1878. By 1881 the interests of both British capitalists and the British government were threatened by internal instability and the prospect of French intervention. British cost-cutting measures had led to a nationalist uprising, which in turn led to Britain invading Egypt to protect British economic national interests as they were now threatened by internal instability. Without France, Britain would probably not have invaded Egypt nor have secured their rule by the Convention of London in 1885. Adapted from B Porter, The Lion’s Share: A Short History of British Imperialism 1850–2004, 2004 5 0 1 With reference to these extracts and your understanding of the historical context, which of these two extracts provides the more convincing interpretation of the reasons for the establishment of British control in Egypt in the years 1875 to 1885? [25 marks] Section B Answer either Question 02 or Question 03. Either 0 2 ‘In the years 1857 to 1890, missionary activity was the main reason for the increased interest in imperialism in Britain.’ Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. [25 marks] or