1914-47 Economic and Cultural Shifts in the Interwar Empire

What was the economic impact of WW1 on Britain?

Britain's economy weakened, with unemployment rising and exports dropping significantly.

What was the purpose of the Empire Marketing Board?

To promote intra-imperial trade and British goods.

How did the Ottawa Conference influence British trade policy?

It reinforced Imperial Preference to protect empire markets from foreign competition.

What were the consequences of the Great Depression for colonies?

Export revenues fell, leading to poverty and cuts in public spending.

What was the impact of the Gold Standard on British trade?

Abandoning it increased exchange rate volatility and trade uncertainty.

How did the Great Depression affect India's farmers?

Falling prices led to widespread debt and economic hardship.

What was the British response to Gandhi's movements?

Incremental constitutional changes were made, but they were seen as inadequate.

What was the role of colonial administrators in reform?

They shaped or resisted reform based on local contexts and strategic importance.

How did British media portray imperialism in the interwar years?

It promoted empire as a noble mission, masking colonial discontent.

What tensions emerged in British attitudes towards empire by the late 1930s?

Economic costs and brutal suppression methods led to increased questioning of imperial value.

What was the significance of the Quit India Movement?

It marked a final push for British withdrawal from India.

How did the economic impact of WW2 differ from WW1 for Britain?

WW2 led to higher debt and a balance of payments crisis.

What was the effect of tariffs on non-imperial goods?

They aimed to protect British markets but had mixed results.

What was the impact of the Salt March?

It became a powerful symbol of resistance against British laws.

How did the British government respond to the economic challenges post-WW1?

They sought to extract greater value from the empire to aid recovery.

What was the effect of the Gold Standard's abandonment in 1931?

It led to increased trade difficulties and economic instability.

What was the outcome of the Government of India Act 1935?

It granted limited autonomy but did not satisfy demands for full self-rule.

How did the British public's perception of empire change during the interwar period?

Doubts about its value grew due to economic burdens and moral objections.

What was the significance of the Empire Exhibition (1924-25)?

It visually glorified colonial products and reinforced national pride.

What was the impact of the Great Depression on British unemployment?

Unemployment soared to over 3 million by the early 1930s.