Colonies of Colonies that were largely peopled by white settlers from Britain. They gained a form of
Settlement 'responsible government' - they had their own government ministers who were
answerable to an elected parliament
Crown Most of these colonies were entirely non-European so were seen as not fit for
Colonies 'responsible government'. They were administered directly by a governor appointed by
the British crown. 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
Informal Territories that were influenced by the British even though they weren't directly ruled by
Empire them. British traders backed by the power British Navy could exert influence over local
rulers through advantageous trade agreements. 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 advisors
Client State An area with its own ruler but with strong British influences which restrict the ruler's
independence politically, militarily and economically
Chartered An area ruled by a trading company with a special licence by the government which
Company Rule gives it political and economic rights
Why did they Christian missionaries saw it as their duty to spread their faith. Empire was a source for
expand? Moral 'civilisation' and 'enlightenment' and there was a powerful body of Christian
Factors: philanthropists
Trade/ British merchants opened up new roots inland to discover raw materials which could be
Economy: used to manufacture goods and then sold back to the empire. It also provided
investment opportunities
Strategic Britain wanted global dominance. France and Germany had emerged as anew threat.
Factors: Loss of American colonies in 18th century caused a 'swing to the east'. The Cape
Colony and areas on the Gold Coast protected the route to India
Personal Merchants capitalised on new commodities. Explorers sought and traces the continent's
Influence: waterways, published their findings, produced maps and spread tales of adventure
The Ottoman A Muslim empire based in Turkey which was struggling by the 1800s. Other powers
Empire exerted influence over Turkish territories. Britain tried to support Turkey because they
didn't want the other powers to benefit from their decline. This was controversial
because Turkey often treated its people harshly. Britain stopped supporting it when it
sided with Germany in WW1
Attitude to British traders had used Egypt as an important trade route. Britain was largely hostile
Egypt in 1857 towards the Muslim rulers. No one expected it to come under British control
Growth of In the American Civil War (1861-65) Britain became starved of cotton, British companies
interest in began investing in the production of Egyptian cotton. Isma'il Pasha had the ambitious
Egypt project of building the Suez Canal which would make the trade route to India 55000
miles shorter than via the Cape. It was completed in 1869.
Suez Canal Disraeli bought the shares in 1875 off the Khedive Isma'il Pasha for £4m who was selling
Shares them because Egypt was in debt. Britain had a large stake in the canal and a say in its
running which encouraged further interest in the country
Dual Control Due to mounting debts British and French ministers were brought in to run the Egyptian
economy in 1878. Britain was in control of government revenue
Deposition of Isma'il was deposed in 1879 by the Ottoman Sultan for economic mismanagement. His
Isma'il son Tewfiq became the new Khedive
British British money and support kept the Egyptian economy afloat. British Commissioner Lord
influence Dufferin was able to wield considerable influence on Tewfiq
Unemployment Dual control meant taxes were imposed on food and goods. The army was also
reduced to 2/3s which led to increased unemployment
Arabi Pasha's Unrest increased and led to a nationalist rebellion led by Colonel Arabi Pasha. Tewfiq
revolt was forced to appoint Arabi's allies to key government positions - they were anti-
European
British Britain was concerned d about what Arabi Pasha's revolt would do to British trade and
Concerns investment. They also feared the safety of the 100 000 Europeans living in Egypt and for
the safety of the Suez Canal which had become key to the route to India
Alexandria In June 1882 there were riots in Alexandria in which 50 Europeans were killed. Gladstone
Riots finally decided to intervene and the navy bombarded Alexandria