Imperial decline
I can describe the trend of British imperial decline that took place towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries.
Imperial decline
I can describe the trend of British imperial decline that took place towards the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- By the early 20th century, Germany and the USA had overtaken Britain as dominant global powers.
- The British government created the 'two-power standard' in 1889 to maintain British naval supremacy.
- Anxiety around the decline of Britain's empire led to a movement called 'national efficiency'.
- By the end of the First World War Britain's power was severely weakened.
Keywords
Two-power standard - the 'two-power standard' was the British policy of maintaining a navy which was larger than the next two largest navies combined
National efficiency - 'national efficiency' was the argument that British society needed to become more productive to maintain imperial dominance
Decline - decline is a gradual and continuous loss of strength
Common misconception
The trend of British imperial decline was caused by foreign policy and external threats.
There is a link between foreign and domestic policy, both of which contributed to imperial decline.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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