Summary Essay Plans for A Level History
Britain: Losing and Gaining an Empire
With Questions and Answers
Important dates throughout the establishment of Empire - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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.
,Life of a slave - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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. - Correct 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. - Correct 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.
,1833 Abolition of Slavery Act - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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
Britain: Losing and Gaining an Empire
With Questions and Answers
Important dates throughout the establishment of Empire - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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.
,Life of a slave - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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. - Correct 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. - Correct 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.
,1833 Abolition of Slavery Act - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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 - Correct 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
