Year 9 - History
The British Empire and the Scramble for Africa
The British Empire: how far was it transformed in the mid-nineteenth century?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about how the British Empire changed in the mid-nineteenth century. They examine the British Empire in India, Jamaica, East Asia, and Africa and evaluate the extent to which it was transformed during this period.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how British imperialism in Africa changed during the 19th century.
Key Notes
- Britain's African colonies were mostly confined to coastal areas in the early 19th century.
- Trade was a key British interest in Africa.
- British colonisation in Africa was limited by resistance, disease and the unwillingness of some officials.
- Britain's empire in Africa grew significantly during the Scramble for Africa.
- Rivalry with other European empires was a key motive for British colonisation during the Scramble for Africa.
Vocabulary To Learn
- African interior: areas of Africa beyond its coastlines were often referred to as the African interior
- abolitionism: abolitionism refers to the movement which supported abolishing slavery and the slave trade
- missionaries: missionaries are people who travel to foreign countries to spread Christianity
- colonisation: colonisation is the process of taking over and ruling new areas as colonies
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Britain ruled over large areas of Africa throughout the 19th century.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Britain's African colonies were mostly confined to coastal areas in the early 19th century. Trade was a key British interest in Africa.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'African interior'
areas of Africa beyond its coastlines were often referred to as the African interior.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Britain ruled over large areas of Africa throughout the 19th century. Correction: British colonies were mainly confined to coastal areas in the first half of the 19th century. It was only later that British rule extended into the African interior.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 9 History guide library.