British Empire

Who were Britain's main colonial rivals? - France; Spain; Portugal; Holland; Germany; Italy (although joined late as only unified in 1860). What was the main principle with which early European empires were run? - Mercantilism . What policy did mercantilism support? - Protectionism . What major event ensured that Britain had almost worldwide dominance? - The Napoleonic Wars . What occurred when Britain lost the War of American Independence? - A 'swing to the east'; founding a second British Empire which was more focused upon trade . Explain how Canada became a Dominion of Britain . - Originally settled by the French; there were the difficulties of governing both French and British settlers; 1837, a revolt from both groups; 1867, an Independent Federal State established . Explain how Australia became a Dominion of Britain . - 1788, Australia settled by 736 British convicts, women and guards; 1860, population rose to a million; tension is caused from an influx of Asian immigrants; gold rush in 1851, little competition with other countries; 1901 became federal dominion state and later a member of the Commonwealth . Give the history of the settlement of New Zealand . - Settled by Whalers & escaped convicts who traded with the indigenous Maori tribes; 25,000 settlers in 1850 to 300,000 in 1875; main export wool, 10 million sheep; invention of refrigerated ships allowed exportation of meat; 1907, became self-governing Dominion .