|ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH WELL
DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS|GRADED A+|BRAND NEW 2026/2027
UPDATE
Important dates throughout the establishment of Empire - ANSWER 1612: first port in
India, 1628: England starts expanding in to the Caribbean, 1655: Jamaica, 1763: end of 7
years war, gain North American territories (albeit underpopulated), 1776: Start of war of
Independence, 1783: End of war, British lose the 13 colonies, 1788: Cook discovers and
claims Australia, 1841: Colony of New Zealand is settled, 1857: Indian Mutiny,
Protectionism - ANSWER Taxes on imports and exports to protect British goods.
Restriction or prohibition of foreign goods, giving priority to the Brits. Lack of competition
leads to high prices. Makes British companies wealthy, yet lack of range.
Mercantilism - ANSWER Mercantilist theorists believed the amount of wealth in the
world was finite. European nations wanted to secure themselves as much wealth as
possible. Introduced government regulation. Limiting imports and maximizing exports.
Increases foreign trade.
Free Trade - ANSWER A system which encourages the lowering of import and export
taxes, encouraging trade across borders. Encourages lower prices. Liberal politicians thought
this would solve the nations problems. Good for consumers, not manufacturers.
Benefits of the Slave Trade - ANSWER It is literally a huge trade, very profitable. Creates
cheap labor, making the prices of goods cheaper. Enhanced naval capacities, cartography
and expansion. Augmented global relations. 40% of Bristol's income came from the slave
trade in the 1780's.
Conditions of the Slave Ships - ANSWER Tightly packed in to huge ships. Bad conditions.
Only had a rag around genitals. Sailors had great suites. Slaves kept beneath trip. Women
were subject to harassment. Cat o' nine tails for punishment. Hung upside down by one leg
and whipped.
1
,Life of a slave - ANSWER Wake up at 5:30am, taking breakfast with them to work until
8am. Breakfast was something like boiled yam. Latecomers are whipped. work until 12,
where you have a rest whilst eating dinner. Work until 6pm where they return to their huts.
Sometimes worked throughout the night in the mill.
The Road to abolition: Quakers and Grass roots - ANSWER The Quakers (Christians who
translated their views in to politics) organised the first abolitionist movement in Britain, first
petitioning parliament in 1783. William Wilberforce led to parliamentary campaign for
abolition. Created a grass roots campaign, pressuring parliament. Gathered evidence on the
horrors of slavery. Worked with William Pitt the Younger.
The Road to abolition: Problems of timing - ANSWER Events overseas meant
Wilberforce's timing could not have come worse. French revolution 1789. This led to hostility
with Britain. French had started emancipating slaves. Britain wanted to be against French.
The Road to abolition: The role of Wilberforce - ANSWER There was a lot of corruption in
the political system, Wilberforce just bought his seat. Helped found the 'Society for the
abolition of the Slave Trade' in 1787. Allied himself with the Whig Party, Charles Fox and Lord
Grenville.
The Passing of the Slave Trade Act. - ANSWER 1805: a bill banning English ships from
capturing and transporting slaves (disguised under the flag act) got passed parliament, but
was blocked by Lords. Fox and Grenville raised the issue again in parliament 1806.
Parliament only met 6 weeks a year and didn't get paid. Grenville gave amazing, influential
speeches. New bill in 1807: proposed in the added minutes of debate, so everyone had gone
home. Passed by 114 to 15, Lords Passed 41 to 20.
The 1807 Abolition of Slavery Act. - ANSWER All British ships were banned from
transporting slaves. Fine of £100. Still had problems. It took days for navy boats to catch up
with slave ships, could just chuck them overboard. Also, slaves sold for $20, only had to sell 5
to get over fine. Could still buy slaves from Spain and Portugal.
2
,1833 Abolition of Slavery Act - ANSWER Slavery abolished throughout the empire, also
applies to future expansion of the empire. Slave owners are paid for giving up slaves.
Penalties increased for being caught with slaves in 1843 under the third slave trade act.
Arguments for Free Trade - ANSWER Adam Smith in 1776 published 'An inquiry in to the
Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' attacking the mercantile system. Mercantilist
ideas constrained merchants from finding the best deals. Opens up new markets.
Arguments against Free Trade - ANSWER Mercantilist ideas had been so reliable in the
past. The mercantile approach to the discovery of silver mines in America had led to the
Spanish being able to finance an empire. Larger control of borders. Promote homegrown
goods.
Influencing Factors on Free Trade - ANSWER The agricultural commodities produced by
Ireland were similar to England's. Tariffs were passed to heavily tax Irish goods to restrict
competition. Irish started to protest. No taxation without representation. In 1779 the
government consulted with Adam Smith to see how they could resolve the Irish problem,
government removed the trade restrictions on Ireland. The election of the Whigs in 1830 led
to much more progression. Representation of the people act 1832. Much more flexible trade
policy. 1838 anti-Corn law league was founded by proponent of free trade. Robert Peel
dismantled 1200 import tariffs between 1842 and 46.
The Navigation Acts - ANSWER 1651 and 1671 states that: Colonial Goods can only be
carried on English built and owned ships. Certain goods (including sugar,cotton, tobacco) had
to be first shipped to an English port before going to their destined country.
Disputed laws of the 1760s - ANSWER The Sugar Act 1764: This new act lowered the duty
paid on sugar. However, due to the changing market and inflation, this turned out to be
more expensive. Affected the cost of alcohol. The Stamp Act 1765 required stamps to be put
on all formal documents. Obviously this meant buying stamps. Sons of Liberty got loud lol
Naval Bases: Singaporre - ANSWER 1819. The East India company wanted to expand
trade with china. Growing market in ENgland for Chinese goods tea, silk, porcelain. Chinese
heavily regulated English trade. English could only trade with the Hongs. Restricted to their
3
, base at Canton. The straits to China were dangerous for piracy. Dutch already had monopoly
on the spices. Raffles established Singapore as an entrepot - meaning ships of all
nationalities could dock their without tax. This encouraged trade. Led to an influx in spices,
guns, opium and textiles.
Naval Bases: Hong Kong - ANSWER 1842. Strict enforcement of Chinese regulation, still
meant that trade at Hong Kong was limited. Up to 100 small strong pirate ships patrolled the
route. British trade wool and cotton for tea, porcelain and silk. Britain needed China more
than China needed Britain. East India Comany started growing Opium cheaply in India. With
Singapore now in business, Opium trade accelerated. China imported 75 tons of opium in
1775, 200 tons in 1800. By 1840 this reaches 2500 tons. How the tables turned lol
Naval Bases: Shanghai 1842 - ANSWER 1832, EIC identifies Shanghai as a potential
trading post. 1842 treaty of Nanking. 1848 USA gets port at Shanghai. Other countries
follow. The treaty of the Nanking was the first of the unequal treaties. Britian blackmailed
China with its naval strength. Demanded money for destroyed opium, gave British citizens
protection in China, lifting restrictions at Canton. The new port at Shanghai opened. Very
strategic geographical location. Opium trade boooomed.
Naval Bases: Weihaiwei 1898 - ANSWER The difference between developing countries
and superpowers at this point was huge. Local rulers, without industrial protection, were
very vulnerable. Only took Weihaiwei in case they needed quick access to counter Russia
Development in the Great Game. This was the battle for oriental countires like afghan.
Africa: Suez Shares 1875 - ANSWER Narrow isthmus of land had been of military interest
for a long time. A report revealed that the water levels on either side were similar. An
agreement between Khedive and the French started construction between 1859 and 69.
Cost 433 million francs to build. Initially, financial future was questionable, only suitable for
steamships. Over time, tech developed and people started to utilise the canal.
Steamshipping increased. In 1875 Khedive had to sell some shares to pay off a loan, Disralei
jumped on this, buying £4,000,000 shares. This was contreversial
Africa: Zanzibar 1890 - ANSWER The trade mainly relied on slaves and ivory. The Sultans
moved their capital to Zanzibar, indicating its potential wealth. British influence her
increased from 1815. In 1822, the British persuaded the Sultan to stop the exportation of
4
DETAILED CORRECT ANSWERS|GRADED A+|BRAND NEW 2026/2027
UPDATE
Important dates throughout the establishment of Empire - ANSWER 1612: first port in
India, 1628: England starts expanding in to the Caribbean, 1655: Jamaica, 1763: end of 7
years war, gain North American territories (albeit underpopulated), 1776: Start of war of
Independence, 1783: End of war, British lose the 13 colonies, 1788: Cook discovers and
claims Australia, 1841: Colony of New Zealand is settled, 1857: Indian Mutiny,
Protectionism - ANSWER Taxes on imports and exports to protect British goods.
Restriction or prohibition of foreign goods, giving priority to the Brits. Lack of competition
leads to high prices. Makes British companies wealthy, yet lack of range.
Mercantilism - ANSWER Mercantilist theorists believed the amount of wealth in the
world was finite. European nations wanted to secure themselves as much wealth as
possible. Introduced government regulation. Limiting imports and maximizing exports.
Increases foreign trade.
Free Trade - ANSWER A system which encourages the lowering of import and export
taxes, encouraging trade across borders. Encourages lower prices. Liberal politicians thought
this would solve the nations problems. Good for consumers, not manufacturers.
Benefits of the Slave Trade - ANSWER It is literally a huge trade, very profitable. Creates
cheap labor, making the prices of goods cheaper. Enhanced naval capacities, cartography
and expansion. Augmented global relations. 40% of Bristol's income came from the slave
trade in the 1780's.
Conditions of the Slave Ships - ANSWER Tightly packed in to huge ships. Bad conditions.
Only had a rag around genitals. Sailors had great suites. Slaves kept beneath trip. Women
were subject to harassment. Cat o' nine tails for punishment. Hung upside down by one leg
and whipped.
1
,Life of a slave - ANSWER Wake up at 5:30am, taking breakfast with them to work until
8am. Breakfast was something like boiled yam. Latecomers are whipped. work until 12,
where you have a rest whilst eating dinner. Work until 6pm where they return to their huts.
Sometimes worked throughout the night in the mill.
The Road to abolition: Quakers and Grass roots - ANSWER The Quakers (Christians who
translated their views in to politics) organised the first abolitionist movement in Britain, first
petitioning parliament in 1783. William Wilberforce led to parliamentary campaign for
abolition. Created a grass roots campaign, pressuring parliament. Gathered evidence on the
horrors of slavery. Worked with William Pitt the Younger.
The Road to abolition: Problems of timing - ANSWER Events overseas meant
Wilberforce's timing could not have come worse. French revolution 1789. This led to hostility
with Britain. French had started emancipating slaves. Britain wanted to be against French.
The Road to abolition: The role of Wilberforce - ANSWER There was a lot of corruption in
the political system, Wilberforce just bought his seat. Helped found the 'Society for the
abolition of the Slave Trade' in 1787. Allied himself with the Whig Party, Charles Fox and Lord
Grenville.
The Passing of the Slave Trade Act. - ANSWER 1805: a bill banning English ships from
capturing and transporting slaves (disguised under the flag act) got passed parliament, but
was blocked by Lords. Fox and Grenville raised the issue again in parliament 1806.
Parliament only met 6 weeks a year and didn't get paid. Grenville gave amazing, influential
speeches. New bill in 1807: proposed in the added minutes of debate, so everyone had gone
home. Passed by 114 to 15, Lords Passed 41 to 20.
The 1807 Abolition of Slavery Act. - ANSWER All British ships were banned from
transporting slaves. Fine of £100. Still had problems. It took days for navy boats to catch up
with slave ships, could just chuck them overboard. Also, slaves sold for $20, only had to sell 5
to get over fine. Could still buy slaves from Spain and Portugal.
2
,1833 Abolition of Slavery Act - ANSWER Slavery abolished throughout the empire, also
applies to future expansion of the empire. Slave owners are paid for giving up slaves.
Penalties increased for being caught with slaves in 1843 under the third slave trade act.
Arguments for Free Trade - ANSWER Adam Smith in 1776 published 'An inquiry in to the
Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations' attacking the mercantile system. Mercantilist
ideas constrained merchants from finding the best deals. Opens up new markets.
Arguments against Free Trade - ANSWER Mercantilist ideas had been so reliable in the
past. The mercantile approach to the discovery of silver mines in America had led to the
Spanish being able to finance an empire. Larger control of borders. Promote homegrown
goods.
Influencing Factors on Free Trade - ANSWER The agricultural commodities produced by
Ireland were similar to England's. Tariffs were passed to heavily tax Irish goods to restrict
competition. Irish started to protest. No taxation without representation. In 1779 the
government consulted with Adam Smith to see how they could resolve the Irish problem,
government removed the trade restrictions on Ireland. The election of the Whigs in 1830 led
to much more progression. Representation of the people act 1832. Much more flexible trade
policy. 1838 anti-Corn law league was founded by proponent of free trade. Robert Peel
dismantled 1200 import tariffs between 1842 and 46.
The Navigation Acts - ANSWER 1651 and 1671 states that: Colonial Goods can only be
carried on English built and owned ships. Certain goods (including sugar,cotton, tobacco) had
to be first shipped to an English port before going to their destined country.
Disputed laws of the 1760s - ANSWER The Sugar Act 1764: This new act lowered the duty
paid on sugar. However, due to the changing market and inflation, this turned out to be
more expensive. Affected the cost of alcohol. The Stamp Act 1765 required stamps to be put
on all formal documents. Obviously this meant buying stamps. Sons of Liberty got loud lol
Naval Bases: Singaporre - ANSWER 1819. The East India company wanted to expand
trade with china. Growing market in ENgland for Chinese goods tea, silk, porcelain. Chinese
heavily regulated English trade. English could only trade with the Hongs. Restricted to their
3
, base at Canton. The straits to China were dangerous for piracy. Dutch already had monopoly
on the spices. Raffles established Singapore as an entrepot - meaning ships of all
nationalities could dock their without tax. This encouraged trade. Led to an influx in spices,
guns, opium and textiles.
Naval Bases: Hong Kong - ANSWER 1842. Strict enforcement of Chinese regulation, still
meant that trade at Hong Kong was limited. Up to 100 small strong pirate ships patrolled the
route. British trade wool and cotton for tea, porcelain and silk. Britain needed China more
than China needed Britain. East India Comany started growing Opium cheaply in India. With
Singapore now in business, Opium trade accelerated. China imported 75 tons of opium in
1775, 200 tons in 1800. By 1840 this reaches 2500 tons. How the tables turned lol
Naval Bases: Shanghai 1842 - ANSWER 1832, EIC identifies Shanghai as a potential
trading post. 1842 treaty of Nanking. 1848 USA gets port at Shanghai. Other countries
follow. The treaty of the Nanking was the first of the unequal treaties. Britian blackmailed
China with its naval strength. Demanded money for destroyed opium, gave British citizens
protection in China, lifting restrictions at Canton. The new port at Shanghai opened. Very
strategic geographical location. Opium trade boooomed.
Naval Bases: Weihaiwei 1898 - ANSWER The difference between developing countries
and superpowers at this point was huge. Local rulers, without industrial protection, were
very vulnerable. Only took Weihaiwei in case they needed quick access to counter Russia
Development in the Great Game. This was the battle for oriental countires like afghan.
Africa: Suez Shares 1875 - ANSWER Narrow isthmus of land had been of military interest
for a long time. A report revealed that the water levels on either side were similar. An
agreement between Khedive and the French started construction between 1859 and 69.
Cost 433 million francs to build. Initially, financial future was questionable, only suitable for
steamships. Over time, tech developed and people started to utilise the canal.
Steamshipping increased. In 1875 Khedive had to sell some shares to pay off a loan, Disralei
jumped on this, buying £4,000,000 shares. This was contreversial
Africa: Zanzibar 1890 - ANSWER The trade mainly relied on slaves and ivory. The Sultans
moved their capital to Zanzibar, indicating its potential wealth. British influence her
increased from 1815. In 1822, the British persuaded the Sultan to stop the exportation of
4
