britain in africa

• Until when had European countries not colonised Africa?

  Until the 1800s
• How many Africans were taken into slavery by British ships between 1562 and 1807?

  Around 3 million
• What percentage of Africa was controlled by European countries as late as 1870?

  10%
• By 1900, what percentage of Africa was controlled by European countries?

  90%
• How many new colonies did Britain gain in Africa between 1870 and 1900?

  16
• What motivated European powers to expand their control over Africa in the late 1800s?

  To gain resources and wealth
• What is referred to as the 'Scramble for Africa'?

  The rush of Europeans to claim land in Africa
• How did the invention of the Maxim gun impact European colonization efforts in Africa?

  It gave European powers a significant military advantage
• What hardships did many Africans face after European colonization?

  They suffered hardship and hunger as their traditional way of life was destroyed
• What does 'Imperialism' mean?

  A desire to expand and create an Empire
• What is 'Social Darwinism'?

  The theory that society improves by stronger people taking over weaker ones
• What does 'White Man’s Burden' refer to?

  The task of the white man to bring civilization to other peoples
• Why was the Suez Canal important to British traders?

  It made travel quicker and cheaper between the Mediterranean and Red Sea
• What percentage of ships using the Suez Canal were British?

  80%
• How did the British government respond to Egypt's financial difficulties?

  They arranged a deal to take a controlling share of the Suez Canal
• What actions did the British take after the Egyptian rebellion in 1882?

  They bombed Alexandria and sent soldiers to secure major towns
• Who were the Boers?

  Descendants of Dutch settlers in southern Africa
• What did the British do in southern Africa in 1806?

  They invaded and made the Cape Colony part of the British Empire
• What triggered the First Boer War?

  The British sent troops to force the Boers to accept British rule
• When did the Second Boer War take place?

  1899-1902
• What was the cause of tensions leading to the Second Boer War?

  The discovery of gold in the Boer states and British expansionism
• How did the British underestimate the Boers during the Second Boer War?

  They underestimated their fighting skills and knowledge of the terrain
• What was the British response to Boer resistance during the Second Boer War?

  They introduced a scorched earth policy and used concentration camps
• How many Boers died in concentration camps during the war?

  28,000
• What was a significant consequence of the Second Boer War for the British government?

  They introduced medical checks and social reforms due to poor health of soldiers
• What were the key events leading to British control of Egypt?

  • Opening of the Suez Canal in 1869
  • British arranged a controlling share deal during Egyptian financial difficulties
  • British intervention after the Egyptian rebellion in 1882
• What were the main events of the Boer Wars?

  • First Boer War (1867-81): British troops sent to enforce rule, Boers resist successfully
  • Second Boer War (1899-1902): Gold discovery leads to conflict, British underestimate Boer resistance
  • British scorched earth policy and concentration camps result in significant Boer casualties
• What were the consequences of the Second Boer War for British society?

  • Introduction of medical checks for children
  • Implementation of free school meals
  • Establishment of old age pensions
  • Health advice initiatives