How the British Empire Changed Direction After 1783 Flashcards

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After losing the American colonies in 1783, where did Britain focus its empire-building instead?

Britain turned its attention to Asia, especially India, and later to Africa and the Pacific. These areas became the main parts of the new British Empire.

What is meant by the term 'Second British Empire'?

Historians use 'Second British Empire' for the period after 1783. In this time Britain rebuilt its empire in Asia, Africa and the Pacific instead of in North America.

Why did Britain start sending convicts to Australia after 1783?

Before 1783 many convicts were sent to America. After losing America, Britain needed a new place for penal colonies. In 1788 the first fleet of convicts arrived in Australia.

Why did India become so important to the British Empire after 1783?

India supplied raw materials such as cotton and tea. It was also a large market for British goods and a base for British power in Asia.

What did Britain learn about trade from losing the American colonies?

Britain saw that it could still trade and make profits with an independent United States. This helped it focus more on free trade and less on strict control of colonies.

How did the Industrial Revolution change the purpose of the British Empire after 1783?

British factories needed cheap raw materials and new markets. The empire was used to supply these materials and to buy British manufactured goods.

How did British attitudes to the slave trade and slavery change in the empire after 1783?

Campaigners in Britain pushed to end slavery. The slave trade was banned in 1807 and slavery was ended in most of the empire in 1833. After this, the empire relied more on paid and indentured labour.

What new patterns of migration were linked to the British Empire after 1783?

Many British people migrated to settler colonies such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. At the same time, workers from India and China were sent as indentured labourers to other parts of the empire.

How did Britain change the way it ruled white settler colonies in the 1800s?

Britain began to give settler colonies more self-government. Local leaders ran most internal affairs, while Britain kept control of defence and foreign policy.

In what way did Britain try to justify its expanding empire in the 19th century?

Many British people claimed they had a 'civilising mission'. They said the empire would spread Christianity, education and 'modern' ways of life, as well as trade.

How did the British Empire expand in Africa after 1783?

At first Britain took coastal bases for trade and to help stop the slave trade. Later, in the late 1800s, it took control of large inland areas during the 'Scramble for Africa'.

What role did companies like the East India Company play in the empire's new direction after 1783?

Trading companies such as the East India Company ruled large parts of India for Britain. Over time, the British government took more direct control, especially after 1857.

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