Expansion into Africa
History: KS3, topic 14.1.2
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.
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.
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.
Industrial Revolution
- The Industrial Revolution armed Britain with advances in methods of transport and weaponry, which helped in obtaining new territories for its empire.
Test yourself on Expansion into Africa
When did Britain lose the American Revolutionary War?
Britain responded losing the American Revolutionary War by expanding its reach into which continents?