Question 1

What were the main causes of the Scramble for Africa?

Accepted Answer

The Scramble for Africa was driven by economic motives (raw materials like rubber, diamonds, gold), strategic interests (control of trade routes like the Nile and Suez Canal), and political rivalry between European powers (especially Britain, France, Germany, and Belgium). Technological advances (quinine against malaria, machine guns) made colonization easier, while the 'civilizing mission' provided a moral justification. The Berlin Conference (1884-85) set rules for claiming territory, accelerating the partition.

Question 2

How did the British Empire affect India?

Accepted Answer

British rule in India (the Raj) had mixed effects. Positively, it introduced railways, telegraphs, and a unified legal system, and suppressed practices like sati. However, it also caused economic exploitation: India was forced to export raw materials and import British goods, deindustrializing its textile industry. Famines (e.g., the Great Famine of 1876-78) were worsened by British policies. Politically, British rule sparked nationalist movements, leading to the Indian National Congress (1885) and eventually independence in 1947.

Question 3

What was the 'civilizing mission' and was it genuine?

Accepted Answer

The 'civilizing mission' was the belief that Europeans had a duty to spread Christianity, education, and Western values to 'backward' peoples. While some missionaries and officials genuinely believed in improving lives, it was often a cover for exploitation. For example, in Africa, missionaries built schools but also undermined local cultures. The mission ignored the fact that many societies had advanced civilizations. Critics argue it was a racist ideology used to justify imperialism.

Question 4

Why did the British Empire expand so rapidly in the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

Rapid expansion was fueled by the Industrial Revolution, which created demand for raw materials (cotton, rubber, oil) and markets for manufactured goods. Technological advances (steamships, railways, telegraphs) made control easier. Strategic rivalries with France and Russia pushed Britain to secure key territories (e.g., Egypt for the Suez Canal). Additionally, social Darwinism and the 'white man's burden' provided ideological support. The British government often acted to protect existing trade interests, leading to further expansion.

Question 5

How did colonized peoples resist British rule?

Accepted Answer

Resistance took many forms: armed rebellions (e.g., the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Zulu Wars), diplomatic negotiations (e.g., African chiefs signing treaties they didn't fully understand), and cultural preservation (e.g., maintaining languages and religions). Later, nationalist movements like the Indian National Congress used peaceful protests and boycotts. Some resistance was successful in the short term (e.g., the Zulus defeating the British at Isandlwana in 1879), but ultimately, superior British weaponry and resources crushed most uprisings.

Question 6

What was the legacy of the British Empire?

Accepted Answer

The legacy is complex and debated. Positives include the spread of the English language, legal systems, and democratic institutions in some colonies. Infrastructure like railways and ports often remained after independence. However, negatives include economic underdevelopment, ethnic divisions (e.g., in Rwanda and Nigeria), and cultural loss. The empire also created global inequalities that persist today. In Britain, the empire shaped national identity and immigration patterns. Historians continue to argue over whether the empire was ultimately beneficial or harmful.

Expansion and empire

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