PEOPLE
Which role did … play in the development of the British Empire?
Which role did … play in the development of the British Empire?
Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I gave permission to found England‘s first overseas settlements in America (late 16th c.) and India
Transatlantic Slave Trade
Between the 16th and the early 19th c. British merchants profited greatly from the transatlantic slave trade; thousands of slaves were working on plantations in the British colonies.
Christianity
Christianity played an important role in British colonisation. The spread of Christian values and ideals was seen as an apprporiate way of “civilising“ indigenous populations.
1783
In 1783 Britain recognised the independence of the United States.
When did the British Empire reach its largest extent?
after WW I (1919)
Victoria
Under Queen Victoria, the Empire expanded (19th c.). She became Empress of India.
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles (1919) punished Germany for its role in starting World War I. Britain was given some of Germany’s former colonial territory in East Africa.
Scramble for Africa
The Scramble for Africa describes the division of Africa into separate spheres of influence by several European powers in the late 19th century.
1947
In 1947, India was partitioned and became independent.
When did Britain recognise U.S. independence?
In 1783
Mohandas Gandhi
Mohandas Gandhi played an active role in India’s resistance against the British colonisers.
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence in 1776 marks the end of the First British Empire.
Commonwealth
The Commonwealth is an association of former British dominion states (and colonies) and Britain, which aims to maintain close ties among members on an equal basis
1901
In 1901, Australia became a dominion.
What is meant by “Jewel in the crown“?
British India, the Empire’s largest colony
Walter Raleigh helped to found England’s first colony in America (Roanoke) in 1585.
Amritsar Massacre
In the Amritsar Massacre, hundreds of Indians were killed by the British Army, which led to widespread resistance against British rule in India.
British East India Company
The British East India Company established control over India (starting in 1600) and did business with local rulers and merchants until the British Crown officially took over control in 1858.
1607
In 1607, Jamestown, Virginia was founded.
Which African country first gained independence and when?
Ghana, in 1959
Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano spoke out against slavery. Formerly a slave himself, he settled in London and became a prominent abolitionist.
Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution (mid-18th to mid-19th c.) the development of new technologies progressed rapidly in Britain, accelerating the exploitation of the colonies.
Decolonisation
Decolonisation describes the process of former colonies becoming independent after World War II.
1858
In 1858, India becomes a colony.
What is a dominion?
A nation that governs itself but recognises the British monarch as its head of state