A*- A History A Level Source Question British Empire 1J
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Oxford AQA History for A Level
Essay study book Oxford AQA History for A Level: The British Empire c Student Book Second Edition of Sally Waller, Anthony Webster, Robert J Carsson, Tom Allen - ISBN: 9781382023184 (Source question)
Complete set of revision notes covering 1J British Empire AQA A-Level History
british empire c1857-1967 summary notes
A-A* History Source Answer (A Level History British Empire 1J)
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Assess how convincing the arguments in Extracts 1,2 and 3 are in relation to the impact of
war on British imperialism (1914-1947)
Extract 1 establishes that war strengthened British imperialism, especially under the tenure
of Lloyd George as the Empire became more involved in Britain’s war efforts. This argument
is convincing to a certain extent, Holland claims that ‘after Dunbar 1916, the Empire was at
war’. This led to an increased sense of unity within the Empire as Lloyd Georga established
the Imperial War Cabinet where Britain’s officials, alongside leaders of the Dominion and
elected representatives in India, were able to meet during the First World War. Furthermore,
Lloyd George’s introduction of an imperial preference system in WW1 ensured that there
was a sense of economic stability and reliance between Britain and its Empire. This
substantiates Holland’s argument that Lloyd George’s tenure was crucial to the rise of British
imperialism during the First World War. However, Holland overplays the extent to which there
was imperial unity within the Empire. The extract claims that Britain was the ‘agreed leader
among equal partners’. This argument is less convincing when considering that the Imperial
War Cabinet of 1917 was not as influential as perceived. Its members only met twice
throughout the First World War and most of the decision making power lay with Britain by
default. This means that the war did not lead to a sense of equal status and increased unity
as argued by Holland.
Extract 1’s argument, that the war affected British imperialism as the Empire had to ‘provide
the resources for the more aggressive policy’ is convincing. Colonies such as India had
contributed significantly to the First and Second World War (£100 million in WW1 and £146
million in WW2). The involvement of the Dominions, illustrated by Lloyd Goerge’s ‘hard,
envious gaze of the recruiting sergeant’ is highlighted by how the Dominions were involved
in WW1 battles, such as the Australiand in Gallipoli and the Anzacs in Vimy Ridge. This
means that Holland’s argument is convincing as Britain’s involvement in the war aided British
imperialism by serving as a source of wartime resources. However, Holland ignored
instances when the Empire was far from a cohesive unit. The loss of Ireland in 1921, along
with revolts against conscription in Quebec, Canada in 1918, shows how the impact of war
on British imperialism also meant that the Empire’s nationalist movements have
strengthened.
Extract 2 argues that WW2, under Churchill’s tenure, led to Britain’s defence of its Empire
(especially India) as Britain wished to retain its status as a world power, Darwin argues that
this was believed by the British Prime Minister (Winston Churchill) with ‘an unchanging
conviction’. This argument is fairly convincing as Britain’s policies towards India were
designed for Britain to retain its imperial influence. The Government of India Acts were
established in 1010 which introduced the system of dyarchy (self rule at a provincial and
federal level). This was further expanded in the 1935 Government of India Act which
increased suffrage from 7 million to 35 million. These policies are significant as they were
designed to ensure Britain’s colonial influence remained, despite the rise of nationalist
sentiment in India. Furthermore, the ‘unchanging conviction’ can also be seen in the
rejection of Stafford Cripps’ offer of dominion status in 1942. This is significant in showing
how the impact of both World Wars led to India’s desire for complete political autonomy. This
was something the British were hesitant to accept, leading to the offer of Dominion status.
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