Question 1: Explain two reasons why the British Empire expanded during the 19th century.

Answer: Possible reasons include the desire for economic wealth through resources and trade, and the strategic importance of colonies for military and naval dominance.

Question 2: Describe the role of the British East India Company in establishing and maintaining the British Empire in India.

Answer: The British East India Company initially traded spices and textiles; over time, it gained administrative and military control, effectively ruling parts of India before the British Crown took direct control after 1858.

Question 3: Identify and explain two impacts of British imperial rule on local cultures and societies in Africa or Asia.

Answer: Impacts include the introduction of Western education and legal systems, which changed traditional societal structures, and the disruption of local economies due to the focus on resource extraction.

Question 4: Discuss how technological advances in the 19th century helped Britain expand its empire.

Answer: Advances like the steam engine and the telegraph improved transportation and communication, enabling faster movement of troops and easier administration of distant colonies.

Question 5: What was the significance of the Scramble for Africa, and what was its outcome?

Answer: The Scramble for Africa was the rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territories by European powers between 1881 and 1914. Its outcome was the partitioning of Africa into colonies controlled by European nations, often disregarding existing ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Question 6: Describe the main features of the 'civilizing mission' ideology used to justify imperialism.

Answer: The 'civilizing mission' was the belief that European powers had a duty to bring Western civilization, including education, religion, and modernization, to 'uncivilized' peoples.

Question 7: Sketch a simple map showing the main regions of the British Empire at its height. Label at least four key areas.

Answer: A correct sketch would show Britain in Europe, with arrows pointing to North America, Africa, Asia (including India), and Australia, with labels for each region.

Question 8: Explain how the British Empire influenced the spread of the English language globally.

Answer: British colonization introduced English to many regions, establishing it as an official or widely spoken language in colonies, which continues today in countries like India, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Question 9: Identify one positive and one negative consequence of British imperialism for colonized countries.

Answer: A positive consequence could be the development of infrastructure and education systems; a negative consequence might be the exploitation of local resources and populations.

Question 10: Describe the significance of the1857 Indian Rebellion (also called the Sepoy Mutiny) in the context of British rule in India.

Answer: The rebellion was a major uprising against British rule, highlighting widespread discontent among Indian soldiers and civilians. Its suppression led to the dissolution of the East India Company and the direct control of India by the British Crown, marking a shift towards formal colonial rule.