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Summary A* essay reasons for expansion in Africa - British empire
A* level British empire essay
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Reasons for British expansion in AfricaBritain’s interests were rooted in financial need. Facilitated Swing to the East. Therefore, economic motivations were
extremely important to help recover from the long depression of 1870 which particularly hit the British public hard. For
example, Disraeli bought 41% of Suez Canal shares, this effectively opened trade routes to India and saved Britain 6000
miles. More importantly, this gave Britain economic influence in Egypt where it had been investing in the cotton industry
after its supplies from America had been disrupted due to the civil war. British ministers were brought in to run the
Egyptian economy after Arabi Pasha’s mismanagement and corruption, this kept the economy afloat was also increasing
Britain’s policy influence. This is a clear example of where Britain used British expansion optimise canal to increase the
potential of their trade and economy. In addition, Britons believed there were financial benefits able to be derived from
Africa. For example, Diamonds had been found in South Africa 1867 and gold 1884. New markets had opened up and
discovered conveniently after Britain was in dire need to increase their wealth. This created a realm of profitable
investments and was why British expansion in Africa initially arose.
Although Britain’s original aims in were economic as expansion was essential for depression recovery, in the late 19 th
century strategic concerns soon took over. Indeed, the emergence of new powers, which appeared to rival Britain's
economic and imperial supremacy, challenged both its financial and strategic interests. After 1871 newly unified Germany
tipped the balance of power in Europe since Austria-Hungary was subordinate to it, whilst France sought to restore
prestige after the Franco-Prussian War. Following the American Civil War, high wartime tariffs remained in the USA, and
the new country looked likely to become an economic rival. A.J.P. Taylor justifiably construed European imperialism as a
manifestation of the struggle for mastery: each country tried to tip the balance of power, and undeveloped areas provided
an arena for competition. It was felt in Britain that the emerging Great Powers sought to emulate Britain's great power and
status. Consequently, a largely unjustified sense of insecurity developed in Britain, which lead in turn to a desire to defend
the British Empire. In the midst of the scramble for Africa the berlin conference was held in 1884-5, which largely benefited
the key European powers. Effective occupation was established under the general act where countries could claim and
become the rightful ruler of African territories by simply notifying the other signatories of the Act. This simple way of
claiming territory triggered mass expansion and by 1900 90% of the continent was in European hands as opposed to 1884
where 80% remained under local African rule. From a short-term perspective British expansion was generated by economic
need however in the long-term strategic concerns of Britain trying to maintain a dominant global position was
overwhelmingly more significant.
Attitudes of the British public played an underlying role for expansion in Africa. After The general Gordon relief Expedition
against the Sudanese Mahdists failed, there was great public uproar and humiliation that Gordon had been killed. A
common belief for Britons was that they were the strongest force due to their unchallengeable military strength and moral
rights to colonise, thus making them incredibly optimistic about expansion. The shock that the British had been defeated
caused prime minister Gladstone to face electoral liability and in June 1885 he lost the election - General Gordon was seen
as an idealistic imperialist he sacrificed himself for empire whilst Gladstone was blamed for the failures. Gordon himself
was catapulted to a hero like figure and British interest in imperialism increased. In addition, moral factors were somewhat
significant- in the mid 19th century racist misconceptions the Africa was a dark continent and uncivilised promoted
religious motivations. Rudyard Kipling famously named the duty to civilise Africa as the ‘white man's burden.’ However
how significant this factor was is questionable. Moral factors were not a primary motive but rather something that
sounded good in public and would conceal Britain’s own economic and political interests. Ultimately African ways of life,
taxes and controls were not benefited buy expansion. African economies were made to benefit Europeans and they
became the providers of raw materials and continued to shape the world economy to African disadvantage. link
Role of key individuals were underlying significant. David Livingstone was a great champion for Victorian imperialism and
extensively travelled through Africa producing Maps and findings adding to Britain’s knowledge of Africa. His Trinity was
Christianity, Commerce and civilisation however considering his missionary attempts were racially fuelled and profited off
the racist negative stereotype that African people were uncivilised his morality is questionable. Additionally, he used
indigenous people to assist him with producing his publications and findings- he exploited Africa for his acclaim. Cecil
Rhodes, famous explorer and even named land he discovered Rhodesia adding to Britain’s power and prestige- also known
for violence against indigenous people. Last he added to Britain’s knowledge of a previously unknown continent he was not
every reason for expansion but simply added to the progression of it. Similarly, to the attitudes of British people this was
not strong enough for expansion. link
Overall, the discovery of raw materials opened up new markets which was very significant for British expansion initially to
recover from the depression. However, strategic factors became essential for British determinations soon after. Economic
value of the African territories was not as significant of a factor- generally they were a financial burden to maintain as a
result of the extreme costs of defence.
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