英美国家概况Chapter 6、7、8、9.ppt

Chapter 9 The British Empire and British Imperialism The Formation of the British Empire The first British colony overseas was Newfoundland founded in 1583. The Empire kept expanding. In 1876, it embraced about one-fourth of the world population, boasted as one “on which the sun never sets”. People in British colonies fought against the cruel rule of British colonists. In 1783, the United Stated formed after eight years’ (1775 ~ 1783) fight. In 1857, the Indians rose to fight for their independence. George Washington In 1840, the British colonists launched an aggressive war against China. From 1856 ~ 1860, Britain and France jointly waged a war of aggression against China. In 1900, Britain allied with seven imperialist powers invaded China. In Africa, Britain occupied many countries. 1901, Britain defeated Boers in South Africa. Then the British Empire reached its peak. By 1900, Britain had been transformed from capitalism into imperialism. The export of capital and monopoly are two features of imperialism. Britain in World War I and Post-war Period Causes of the War Germany and the U.S. became strong imperial powers in the late 19th century and they, together with Japan, France, Italy and Russia competed with Britain for world domination. They wanted to re-divide the world. Two blocs formed: Triple Alliance including Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy; Triple Entente including Britain, France and Russia. In 1914, the Austrian Archduke Francis Ferdinand and his wife were shot and killed. This became the fuse of the World War I. The Loss of Britain during the War Britain lost its sea supremacy by the end of the war as 70% of her merchant ships were sunk or damaged. Britain came out of the War with a huge national debt, ten times as large as that before the War. Britain in the Post-War Period Britain experienced the most serious economic crisis from 1929 ~ 1933. The working class fought one battle after another against the capital class. Britain in World War II