Origins of the Empire
What year did Queen Elizabeth I grant Walter Raleigh permission to establish a colony on Roanoke Island?
1585
What was the term used for the rapid colonization of Africa in the 1880s?
The "Scramble for Africa"
What language often replaced indigenous languages in the colonies?
English
What was a primary reason for opposition to the British Empire?
Some people believed that colonies had their own cultures and traditions that should be respected.
What event is often seen as the beginning of the decline of the British Empire?
The granting of dominion status to countries with large white populations.
In which modern-day country is Roanoke Island located?
The United States
In what year did India officially become a colony of the British Empire?
1858
What happened on April 13, 1919, in Amritsar?
The Amritsar Massacre where British troops opened fire on a large, unarmed crowd in Jallianwala Bagh, resulting in over 350 deaths and many injuries, significantly impacting the Indian independence movement.
Which political party in Britain expressed opposition to the empire?
The Liberal Party.
What does "dominion status" mean for a country within the British Empire?
When a country is still part of the British Empire, but is allowed to rule itself.
What major European power's empire did Britain seek to rival during the late 1500s?
Spain
What was the fate of the Kingdom of Benin during British colonization?
Its leaders were exiled, treasures looted, and the city burned.
Which language spoken by the Māori in New Zealand has declined because of British influence?
The Māori language.
What did Olaudah Equiano do to raise awareness about slavery?
He published an autobiography detailing his experiences as a formerly-enslaved man.
When was the British Empire at its largest size?
After World War One.
What was the name of the first successful British colony established in North America?
Jamestown
Why was India being referred to as the "jewel in the crown"?
It was considered the most valuable part of the British Empire.
Why were there famines in India during the 1700s and 1800s, and how did British policies contribute?
Famines were caused by weather conditions and British policies that forced Indians to grow cash crops such as tea instead of food.
What movement began in Britain in the 1770s aimed at ending the slave trade?
The abolitionist movement.
What significant agreement was established in 1926 among the dominion states and what did it grant?
The Commonwealth was set up between Britain and all of its dominion states. This was an agreement that all of the dominion states in the Commonwealth were considered equal.
What happened on July 4, 1776?
The 13 British colonies in North America declared themsleves independent.
What opportunities did the British Empire provide for some people in Britain, and how did it affect jobs for those who stayed?
The Empire allowed some to move to colonies for jobs, while more factory jobs were available for those who stayed.
How long did it take for slavery to be abolished in most British colonies after the abolition of the slave trade?
It took a further 30 years of campaigning.
What major event occurred in 1947 regarding British India?
British India was partitioned into two independent nations, India and Pakistan.