Section 1, chapter 5

• What did Beveridge imply about the people working for the Empire?

  He suggested that only a small part of the nation worked directly for the Empire, while many did nothing productive.
• What factors contributed to the British government's passive role in the Empire before the mid-nineteenth century?

  The distances involved, a lack of inclination to deal with the Empire, and a general lack of consensus on intervention contributed to this passivity.
• Who was Benjamin Disraeli and what was his role in the 1870s?

  Benjamin Disraeli was a twice Prime Minister and a prominent imperial voice in the 1870s.
• What was Disraeli's view on the Conservative Party's relationship with the Empire?

  Disraeli asserted that the Conservatives were the "Party of empire" and accused the Liberals of allowing the Empire to crumble.
• How did Gladstone's approach to imperialism differ from Disraeli's?

  Gladstone focused on developing existing colonies and avoiding new acquisitions, while Disraeli was more aggressive in his imperial ambitions.
• What significant action did Disraeli take regarding the Suez Canal in 1875?

  Disraeli bought £4 million worth of Suez Canal shares.
• What was the purpose of the Royal Titles Act that Disraeli steered through Parliament?

  The Act elevated Queen Victoria's title to Empress of India to reinforce British rule over India.
• What was the significance of the British involvement in Afghanistan during Disraeli's tenure?

  It aimed to consolidate British influence and prevent Afghan tribes from encroaching into India.
• What was the outcome of the British campaign in Zululand in 1879?

  The campaign resulted in a British-Zulu victory at Ulundi after a brief campaign of five months.
• How did Gladstone's views on imperialism manifest during his time as Prime Minister?

  Gladstone was critical of aggressive imperialism and preferred to focus on existing colonies and self-governance.
• What was the impact of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 on British colonial policy?

  The conference initiated formal land grabbing across Africa, leading to the establishment of British protectorates.
• What was the main reason for Gladstone's intervention in Egypt in 1882?

  Gladstone intervened to ensure safe passage to India and respond to public pressure regarding the security of the Suez Canal.
• What was the significance of the Home Rule Bill introduced by Gladstone in 1886?

  The Home Rule Bill aimed to establish a separate Irish legislature, reflecting Gladstone's support for Irish nationalists.
• How did public opinion towards the Empire change from the 1870s to the early 1900s?

  Public interest grew in the importance of overseas territories and the cultures of those territories.
• Who was Arabi Pasha and what was his role in Egypt in 1882?

  Arabi Pasha was an ambitious army officer who came to power in Egypt and was anti-European.
• How did the British government react to Arabi Pasha's rise to power?

  The British government and its allies were horrified by Arabi Pasha's rise to power.
• What role did national newspapers play in shaping public opinion about the Empire?

  National newspapers regularly reported on events in the Empire, influencing public perception and opinion.
• What was the significance of the Suez Canal in British imperial strategy?

  The Suez Canal was crucial for maintaining a direct route to India and enhancing British trade.
• How did the Boer War influence British imperial policy?

  The Boer War highlighted the challenges of maintaining British hegemony in South Africa and led to shifts in policy.
• What was the impact of the Mahdist Rebellion on British colonial ambitions?

  The Mahdist Rebellion forced Britain to reconsider its military commitments in Sudan and its overall imperial strategy.
• How did imperialism relate to national identity in Britain during the late 19th century?

  Imperialism was intertwined with national identity, as many Britons viewed the Empire as a source of national pride and prestige.
• What economic factors influenced British imperialism in the late 19th century?

  Economic competition from other nations and protective tariffs made it essential for Britain to secure markets and resources through imperialism.
• What role did public figures and intellectuals play in shaping views on imperialism?

  Public figures and intellectuals influenced public opinion through their writings and speeches, either promoting or criticizing imperialism.
• What were the effects of imperialism on the colonies and their populations?

  Imperialism often led to exploitation, cultural changes, and resistance movements among colonized populations.
• How did military conflicts relate to British imperialism during this period?

  Military conflicts were often a means to expand and maintain British control over imperial territories.
• What is the legacy of British imperialism in contemporary society?

  The legacy includes ongoing political, economic, and cultural influences in former colonies and the UK.
• Which parliament governed Ireland before the idea of "Home Rule" gained traction?

  Westminster Parliament
• What was the main idea promoted by "Home Rule" in the 1860s?

  To establish a separate Irish legislature
• How did public interest in the British Empire change from the 1870s to the early 1900s?

  It focused on both overseas territories and the people and cultures of those territories
• What role did national newspapers play in shaping public opinion about the British Empire?

  They regularly offered accounts and comments on events in the Empire
• Who was Arabi Pasha and what was his stance?

  He was an ambitious army officer in Egypt who was anti-European
• What was the British government's reaction to Arabi Pasha's rise to power?

  They were horrified by the events in Egypt
• How did the press portray Egyptian soldiers during the conflict in 1882?

  They depicted them as bloodthirsty killers
• What significant event occurred in July 1882 regarding European casualties in Egypt?

  Rebels killed all the Europeans at the gate of the Modern mole
• How did The Times newspaper report on the situation in Egypt in July 1882?

  It reported that more Europeans had been murdered and predicted great losses
• What themes were present in imperial literature during the late 19th century?

  • Adventures of soldiers and explorers
  • Promotion of imperialist values
  • Stories aimed at younger readers
• What was the title of H. Rider Haggard's notable work published in 1885?

  King Solomon's Mines
• What was the purpose of the Boy Scouts and similar organizations in the context of imperialism?

  To reinforce imperialist values and promote action among young men
• How did Victorian literature contribute to the British sense of superiority?

  It reinforced attitudes of racial superiority and the civilizing mission
• What was the view of the British regarding their empire and indigenous populations?

  They believed themselves superior and aimed to 'civilise' indigenous peoples