What sources can tell us about the expansion of Empire

History

This unit is important for understanding the legacy of empire and post-WWII immigration in later units. 

Pupils will know about various aspects of the British Empire from the previous migration unit. Pupils will have studied the impact of empire on both India and Africa in Year 9. 

Migration: how did Britain expand its control over India and Africa?

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Which word describes the process by which we analyse and explain past events?

Which term is used to describe a source's background?

show popular styles of drawing at the time

provide insights into the political, social and economic landscape at the time

depict the activities and impacts of the empire's expansion

show popular magazines and newspapers at the time

Why are contemporary cartoons useful sources for a historian studying the expansion of the British Empire?

Complete the sentence: Some historians argue that the expansion of empire did have some {{}} impacts, particularly in India.

What type of source is it, e.g. cartoon, newspaper article, letter?

In what historical context was it created?

Why was the source created, for what audience?

Match each element of source provenance with the correct description.

infrastructure and administrative development in the colonies

exploitation and mistreatment of indigenous populations

Which of the following examples would a historian who is presenting a negative view of empire point to?

Which word describes the British colony in southern Africa?

Which word describes a member of the Dutch population which settled in southern Africa in the late 17th century?

Why did Britain invade parts of southern Africa between 1860 and 1890?

concentration camps to detain Boer civilians

justified their invasion using Social Darwinism

Which of the following were tactics used by the British against the Boers?

Which treaty was passed in 1902 to end the Boer Wars?

the provision of free and compulsory education

the introduction of the National Health Service (NHS) 

the establishment of a national health insurance system

the provision of free university tuition for all

Which of these social reforms were introduced following the Boer Wars?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz