13.1.2

Expansion into Africa

Test yourself

Britain's Expansion into Africa

The loss of the American Revolutionary War in 1783 AD forced Britain to look elsewhere to grow its wealth and political control.

Illustrative background for First British EmpireIllustrative background for First British Empire ?? "content

First British Empire

  • By the 18th century, Britain had gained control of parts of North America, the Caribbean as well as territories within Europe such as Gibraltar.
  • The East India Company was a British company separate to the government which controlled the Indian subcontinent.
Illustrative background for Swing to the EastIllustrative background for Swing to the East ?? "content

Swing to the East

  • Britain failed to keep control of its colonies in North America following its loss in the American Revolutionary War in 1783 AD.
  • This loss triggered a 'Swing to the East' as coined by Vincent Harlow (1952 AD).
  • Britain responded losing the war by expanding its reach into Africa and Asia to maintain its wealth and status as a global power.
Illustrative background for Industrial RevolutionIllustrative background for Industrial Revolution ?? "content

Industrial Revolution

  • The Industrial Revolution armed Britain with advances in methods of transport and weaponry, which helped in obtaining new territories for its empire.

Jump to other topics

1The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

1.1Anglo-Saxon England

1.2The Contest for the English Throne

1.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

1.4King John

1.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

1.6The Black Death

2Worldviews

3The Empire of Mali

4The Renaissance & Reformations, 1500-1598 AD

5The British Empire, 1583-1960 AD

6The Peasants' Revolt

7Religion in the Middle Ages

8Slavery, 1619-1833 AD

9The English Civil War, 1642-1660

10The Industrial Revolution, 1750-1840

11US Independence, 1775-1783

12The French Revolution, 1789-1815

13The British Empire, 1857–1930

14Suffrage

15World War 1, 1914-1918

16The Inter-War Years, 1919-1939

17World War 2, 1939-1945

18The Cold War, 1947-1962

19Civil Rights in the USA, 1954-1975

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson