1.3.2
Infrastructure of Trade & Commerce
Infrastructure of Trade
Infrastructure of Trade
The British Empire transported goods through shipping, railroads and canals.
Shipping in the British Empire
Shipping in the British Empire
- Many ships sailed 'under the British ensign' (flying a British flag) because this meant that the British Navy would defend these ships and their cargo to allow free trade.
- The blue squadron of the Royal Navy patrolled the Indian Ocean, whilst the red squadron sailed in the Caribbean and Atlantic.
- Clipper ships were a narrow sailing boat that was popular in the 19th Century. Because of their narrow width, they were used to transport low volume, high-priced goods like tea, opium, saffron, and vanilla.
- Steamships could increase cargo capacity. They became more popular after the opening of the Suez Canal.
Railways in the British Empire
Railways in the British Empire
- ‘Railway imperialism’ was important in self-governing colonies.
- e.g. Canada, Australia; but also in India and West Africa.
- Most investment in railways came from private individuals investing in private companies (a bit like venture capital). According to Stone (1999), 71% of British money channelled towards building railways went to regions of recent settlement like India.
- Although British speculators and businesses may have improved the infrastructure in Britain's colonies, most of the contracts for providing the railway equipment and rolling stock went to British companies.
Canals and rivers
Canals and rivers
- Rivers were often the focus of explorers' quests.
- Canals could be used to avoid dangerous waterways.
- New canals and waterways were created in India and Canada.
1High Water Mark of the British Empire, 1857-1914
1.1Development of Imperialism, 1857-1890
1.2Imperial & Colonial Policy, 1857-1890
1.3Trade & Commerce, 1857-1890
1.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1857-1890
1.5Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1857-1890
2Imperial Consolidation & Liberal Rule, 1890-1914
2.1Consolidation & Expansion in Africa, 1890-1914
2.2Imperial & Colonial Policy, 1890-1914
2.3Trade & Commerce, 1890-1914
2.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1890-1914
2.5Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1890-1914
3Imperialism Challenged, 1914-1967
3.1Expansion & Contraction of Empire, 1914-1947
3.2Colonial Policy & Administration, 1914-1947
3.3Trade, Commerce & Economic Impact of War
3.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1890-1914
3.5Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1914-1947
4The Wind of Change, 1947-1967
4.1Decolonisation in Africa & Asia, 1947-1967
4.2Colonial Policy & Administration, 1947-1967
4.3Trade & Commerce, 1947-1967
4.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1947-1967
4.5Post-Colonial Ties, 1947-1967
4.6Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1947-1967
Jump to other topics
1High Water Mark of the British Empire, 1857-1914
1.1Development of Imperialism, 1857-1890
1.2Imperial & Colonial Policy, 1857-1890
1.3Trade & Commerce, 1857-1890
1.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1857-1890
1.5Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1857-1890
2Imperial Consolidation & Liberal Rule, 1890-1914
2.1Consolidation & Expansion in Africa, 1890-1914
2.2Imperial & Colonial Policy, 1890-1914
2.3Trade & Commerce, 1890-1914
2.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1890-1914
2.5Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1890-1914
3Imperialism Challenged, 1914-1967
3.1Expansion & Contraction of Empire, 1914-1947
3.2Colonial Policy & Administration, 1914-1947
3.3Trade, Commerce & Economic Impact of War
3.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1890-1914
3.5Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1914-1947
4The Wind of Change, 1947-1967
4.1Decolonisation in Africa & Asia, 1947-1967
4.2Colonial Policy & Administration, 1947-1967
4.3Trade & Commerce, 1947-1967
4.4Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1947-1967
4.5Post-Colonial Ties, 1947-1967
4.6Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1947-1967
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