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Causes of British Imperialism
- Industrial revolution: Rapid industrialisation in 18th and 19th century transformed the British economy, driving a demand for raw materials and new markets.
- Economic competition: Britain wanted to outpace its European rivals, particularly France and Germany, in terms of wealth and global influence.
- Equipment and maritime supremacy: Technological advancements, such as the steam engine and developments in naval technology, allowed Britain to easily penetrate and control overseas territories.
- Social Darwinism: This theory, prominent in the Victorian era, proposed European races as superior and legitimised colonialism as a ‘civilising mission’.
- Political strategy: Control of key strategic locations helped Britain protect its sea lanes and maintain its global superiority.
Impact of British Imperialism
Economic Impact
- Economic exploitation: Britain drained the colonies of their resources and wealth, leading to impoverishment and economic dependence.
- Infrastructure development: British imperialism led to the development of modern infrastructure such as railways, telegraphs, and irrigation systems in colonies.
- Introduction of new crops and industrial methods: British brought about significant changes in agriculture and industry, such as the introduction of tea in India and rubber in Malaya.
Social Impact
- Religion and education: British missionaries and educators influenced local cultures and belief systems and introduced Western education systems.
- Racism and segregation: The British brought their prejudices to the colonies. This led to discriminatory laws, racism and social division, as witnessed in apartheid-era South Africa.
Political Impact
- Creation of administrative systems: Britain established efficient administrative and legal systems which, in some cases, are still in existence today.
- Nationalism and independence movements: Prolonged colonial rule fuelled nationalism and anti-colonial movements, culminating in eventual independence for many colonies, such as India, in the 20th century.
Remember to apply these factors to specific case studies and examples as this highlights your in-depth understanding of the topic, and has the potential to earn you higher grades. Understanding the key concepts and being able to critically discuss them is crucial to success in this part of your History syllabus.