Year 9 History: The British Empire

• When did British settlers first arrive in America?

  1607
• What were the main reasons British settlers went to America?

  They sought economic opportunities and religious freedom
• What impact did colonisation have on indigenous peoples in America?

  Indigenous peoples were forced to move and many died from diseases brought by settlers
• When did America declare independence from Britain?

  1776
• What was the outcome of the American War of Independence?

  It ended in 1783 with America gaining independence
• What was England's first successful colony in North America?

  Virginia
• What significant agricultural breakthrough occurred in Virginia in 1617?


  English settlers discovered that the tobacco plant grew well
• How did tobacco plantations affect Virginia's economy by 1700?

  Almost 6 million kilograms of Virginian tobacco were exported to Britain each year
• What were the 13 original colonies established by British colonists?

  • New Hampshire
  • Massachusetts
  • Connecticut
  • Rhode Island
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Pennsylvania
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • South Carolina
  • Georgia
• What were some reasons for establishing the 13 original colonies?

  Reasons included pursuit of fortunes, escape from religious persecution, and desire to create new forms of government
• When did the colonies declare themselves independent?

  On July 4, 1776
• What was Britain's response after losing the 13 colonies?

  Britain sought to expand its empire further
• What was the principal component of the population in the colonies during the 17th century?

  People of English origin
• What contributed to the eventual settling of colonists in America?

  A variety of motives including political, religious, and economic factors
• What was the American Revolution?

  An insurrection by 13 North American colonies against Great Britain
• How many soldiers did the British army have during the American Revolution?

  About 42,000 soldiers
• How many soldiers did America have during the American Revolution?

  Around 48,000 soldiers
• What were some taxes enforced on the colonists by Britain?

  Taxes included the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts
• What role did Benjamin Franklin play during the American Revolution?

  He argued in Parliament to annul the Stamp Act and helped secure military aid from France
• When did the American War of Independence start and end?

  It started on April 19, 1775, and ended on September 3, 1783
• How did the conflict change after early 1778?

  It became an international war with France and Spain joining the colonies against Britain
• What role did the Netherlands play during the American Revolution?


  The Netherlands provided official recognition and financial support to the United States
• Why was sea power vital in determining the course of the American War of Independence?

  It provided flexibility to British strategy and helped the French contribute to the final British surrender
• When was the East India Company established?

  1600
• Who overthrew the ruler of Bengal in 1757?

  Robert Clive
• What led to the Indian Mutiny in 1857?

  Resentment towards British policies, particularly the use of cow and pig fat in weaponry
• When was the East India Company dissolved?

  1874
• When was Queen Victoria crowned Empress of India?

  1876
• When was the Indian National Congress formed?

  1885
• Who became the leader of the Indian National Congress in 1919?

  Mahatma Gandhi
• When was the Commonwealth created?

  1931
• When did India gain independence from Britain?

  1947
• What contributed to Britain's wealth during the 19th century?

  Trade and the expansion of its empire
• What goods were shipped from India to Britain during the late 19th century?

  Goods included tea, spices, porcelain, textiles, and cotton
• What is a notable fusion dish that reflects Indian influence on British cuisine?

  Chicken Tikka Masala
• What was one of the leading causes of The Great Famine of 1876 in India?

  Exploitation of India's resources, including crops
• When was the British Raj formed in India?

  1858
• What was the Indian Mutiny seen as in the context of British rule?

  It is now seen as India's first war of independence
• Who was a key figure in leading the dissent towards India's independence?

  Mahatma Gandhi
• What advances did the Indian National Congress make towards home rule between 1919 and 1935?

  They argued for home rule within the British Empire similar to white settlers in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand