Acquisition and loss/loosening of control of territories Economic benefit or not? Nationalism within the colonies International climate of opinion Commitment i.e. political and popular support in Britain 1870-1918 Acquisition: almost half share of Suez Canal, Persian Gulf, Middle East, Africa Part of ‘New Imperialism’ – ‘accelerated of colonisation’ Process encouraged by Berlin Conference of 1884 – agreed to carve up Africa Expansion before 1914 ended with 2nd Boer War – Africa and elsewhere offered fewer opportunities for expansion ‘Desire to capture new markets and sources of raw materials’ e.g. palm oil in Nigeria Preserve/expand trade links Prevent loss of existing markets to other countries Boer War due to discovery of gold and diamonds in the Transvaal During WWI ‘intensified exploitation of the Empire’s material resources’ (and 2.5million colonials fought for Britain) South Africa – Boer War Intense rivalries with other powers e.g. France and Germany – British policy makers didn’t want to lose out in international ‘balance of power’ Pre 1914 – Britain embroiled in power politics of European continent Ottoman Empire falling apart – opportunity to expand but threatened by Russia ‘Growth of imperial nationalism, militarism and…jingoism’ in British society Boer War strained ‘British military capabilities and imperial resolve’
* 1919-1939 1919-20 – gained an extra 1 million square miles of territory and 13 million new subjects (mainly in Middle East) LofN mandates – Palestine, Transjordan, Iraq, Gulf States and Tanganyika Ireland becomes a dominion in 1922 Egypt and Iraq gained independence in 1920s – Britain still maintained informal influence Recently discovered oil reserves in Middle East and its proximity to India ‘India was growing less important to British economic interests’- during WWI gave them freedom to set own tariffs – thus India less open to imports of British goods In general, 1920s and 30s Empire became more tight knit economically 1926 – Empire Marketing Board, 1932 – Imperial Preference – tariff walls around Mandates system – Britain had ‘to pay lip service’ to idea of preparing colonies for Nationalist unrest in of the Middle East – British policymakers had failed to fulfil wartime promises of independence to Arab peoples Violent demonstrations against British rule Egypt 1919-20 and Iraq 1920-21 Riots in Cyprus 1931, Arab violence in Palestine 1936-39 US policy at peace conferences of 1919 – ‘national self determination’ Empire a source of national pride and identity - yearly celebration of Empire Day/Empire Stadium Wembley 1923
Empire and Commonwealth - rise in exports and imports (25% to 40% rise in imports/exports) 1931 – Statute of Westminster recognised equality of dominions within a British Commonwealth of Nations British appeased Indian national feeling by Government of India Acts 1919 and 1935 * 1920s and 30s - general economic decline due to WWI – Empire outwardly secure but contained forces of strain and unrest WW2 Loss of Malaya, Singapore, Burma and Hong Kong to Japan in 1942 – changed perception of British ability to maintain Empire Japan surrendered in August 1945 – Britain reclaimed Asian territories Empire ‘strategic burden’ during WW2 – stretched British resources, tied up troops ‘Lend-Lease’ from USA provided Britain with $26 billion worth of aid (twice that from dominions and colonies) Strikes and uprisings in India, Egypt, Kenya and Northern Rhodesia Despite challenges, the Empire staged impressive show of unity – provided nearly 5million troops USA opposed imperialism for ideological and economic reasons – Britain relied on their support for survival American anti imperialism had been more rhetorical than real, especially after Throughout the war empire was a source of pride but also frustration (drained resources) Politicians exploit feelings of unity to provide troops
that had been lost, quite undamaged Acquisition – Britain gains Korea after the war 1940 – London set aside £20million for colonial development and welfare – suggesting in event of victory Empire may have secure and economically viable future death of Roosevelt in April 1945 * ‘Empire’s fortunes were revived.’ Post WW2 End of Empire came in two waves: Asia 1945-48, Africa and the Caribbean late 1950s to mid 1960s Southern Rhodesia (a larger colony) – remained in imperial circle 1980 due to disagreements over black right to vote 1945 – Britain owed foreign creditors (including colonies) nearly $40 billion but Cold War needed high levels of defence spending Instead of decolonising, they wanted to make the Empire pay – designed to produce cheap food and export Main reason for decolonisation was increasing within Empire – often violent agitation for self-rule During war London had pledged Indian independence – came about in 1947 due to Hindu/Muslim violence American pressure in favour of establishment of Jewish state led to abandonment of Palestine and creation of Israel and Jordan in 1948 International revulsion at ‘gunboat diplomacy’ after Suez Crisis Electorate more interested in ‘preserving the welfare state and in enjoying domestic prosperity than having the British flag flying over exotic lands.’ Most colonies joined Commonwealth once granted independence – politicians could
British policy makers reluctant to withdraw under pressure – would undermine British prestige and allow Soviet Union to expand influence at expense of USA and Britain 1957-66 – Britain gave independence to 22 colonies (mainly in Africa and Caribbean) 1963 – African decolonisation proceeding apace 1967 – plans announced to withdraw from most military bases East of Suez (lost much of their strategic value since Indian independence) earnings but scant resources for colonial economic development By late 1950s – British exports increasingly focused on prosperous Western Europe and America Macmillan’s 1957 ‘cost-benefit’ analysis indicated decolonisation wouldn’t lead to economic losses Military bases East of Suez expensive to maintain Violence against British forces Humiliation of Suez Crisis bolstered nationalist sentiment Nationalist awakening e.g. African intellectuals Harold Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech 1960 Two bids in 1963 and 1967 to join European Community suggests turn connected to end of Empire America had practical concerns about newly independent states succumbing to influence of Soviet Union and some British military bases valuable for American defence policy Dominance of USA and Soviet Union made it clear that owning a traditional colonial empire was no longer essential to remaining a major player in world affairs – in fact maintaining one against the will present decolonisation as worthy end point of preparing imperial territories for as opposed to undesirable development imposed by uncontrollable circumstances