14.1.2

Expansion into Africa

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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

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

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