3.2.3

Imperial Defence

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Imperial Defence, 1914-1947

Defending the Empire posed three key problems for the British Empire: economic difficulties, facing new right-wing regimes in the 1930s, and addressing the nationalist movements in British colonies.

Illustrative background for Economic difficultiesIllustrative background for Economic difficulties ?? "content

Economic difficulties

  • Between 1914 and 1947, Britain faced significant economic difficulties.
  • The Great Depression caused exports to fall and global trade fell 16% in just 1 year between 1931 and 1932 (Eichengreen & Irwin, 2010).
  • The Gold Standard also collapsed, making trade between nations more difficult. Mathy & Meissner (2011) say that the "Gold Standard was a constraint in terms of recovery".
  • At the same time, the Second World War worsened Britain's Balance of Payments position and increased Britain's Debt to GDP ratio to 240%.
Illustrative background for New threatening regimesIllustrative background for New threatening regimes ?? "content

New threatening regimes

  • The rise of right-wing regimes posed a threat to the Empire.
    • Imperial Japan threatened Asia and invaded Manchuria, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other nations.
    • Fascist Italy threatened Africa (attempting to conquer Abyssinia in 1935).
    • Nazi Germany threatened Europe on the Western Front, capturing France and the Netherlands and seizing territory on the Eastern Front.
Illustrative background for Independence movementsIllustrative background for Independence movements ?? "content

Independence movements

  • Rising nationalist independence movements increased the cost of maintaining control in the Empire. More British troops were needed in each country as a % of the total troops in order to maintain British control.
  • Eventually, if the cost of maintaining control rises and a larger percentage of the population is dissatisfied, one wonders whether the purpose of control is oppression, instead of security.
Illustrative background for Britain's policy of appeasementIllustrative background for Britain's policy of appeasement ?? "content

Britain's policy of appeasement

  • Facing the economic challenges of the Great Depression in the 1930s and the rising dissatisfaction in its Empire, Britain appeased Hitler to avoid conflict and hoped that the League of Nations would resolve any problems.
  • Arguably, the Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, who is infamous for his policy of appeasement, underestimated Hitler's ambition.
Illustrative background for Unravelling of British policyIllustrative background for Unravelling of British policy ?? "content

Unravelling of British policy

  • France and the Netherlands fell to Germany in 1940.
  • Japan attacked Singapore in 1942.
  • The Indian National Army began to fight against British troops in India alongside the Japanese forces in 1942.
  • Britain was becoming increasingly isolated and stretched financially and militarily.

Jump to other topics

1High Water Mark of the British Empire, 1857-1914

2Imperial Consolidation & Liberal Rule, 1890-1914

3Imperialism Challenged, 1914-1967

4The Wind of Change, 1947-1967

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