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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can evaluate the extent to which the British Empire was transformed during the mid-19th century.

      Key learning points

      1. Historians can study the British Empire by focusing on its extent, governance, quality of life and justifications.
      2. The British Empire grew significantly during the 19th century.
      3. Ideas such as Christianity and Social Darwinism were used to justify British imperialism.
      4. Rebellions in India and Jamaica triggered changes in how those colonies were governed.

      Keywords

      • Transformed - something may be described as transformed if it changes significantly

      Common misconception

      The Indian and Jamaican rebellions triggered complete change in those colonies.

      Major changes were introduced after these rebellions although little was changed to address the problem of poverty in either Jamaica or India.

      Teacher tip

      For Task B, after pupils have identified where the statements provided should be placed in the Venn diagram, ask them to come up with three new ones including one which can be placed in each section of the Venn diagram.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What were the people who travelled to other countries to spread Christianity called?

      Correct Answer: missionaries, missionary

      Q2.
      Which colonies became part of the British Empire during the Scramble for Africa?

      Cape Colony
      Correct answer: Egypt
      India
      Jamaica
      Correct answer: Uganda

      Q3.
      Where were most of Britain's African colonies located in the early 19th century?

      Correct answer: coastal regions
      mountainous regions
      the African interior
      it did not have any African colonies at this time

      Q4.
      What type of items from West Africa was Britain interested in trading for?

      guns
      opium
      Correct answer: palm oil
      tea

      Q5.
      During the Scramble for Africa, who did Britain compete with to colonise Africa?

      other Asian empires
      other African empires
      Correct answer: ther European empires

      Q6.
      Starting with the earliest, sort the following events into chronological order.

      1 - British merchants travel to Africa to participate in the slave trade
      2 - Britain abolishes the slave trade in its empire
      3 - Britain establishes a colony for former enslaved people at Sierra Leone
      4 - British army massacred by the Assante Empire
      5 - New weapons like the maxim machine gun developed
      6 - Britain colonises large areas of the African interior in West Africa

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Write the missing word. Something may be described as if it has changed significantly.

      Correct Answer: transformed

      Q2.
      Write the missing word. Britain had a empire, with colonies on every inhabited continent.

      Correct Answer: global, worldwide

      Q3.
      How did government in Jamaica change duirng the 1860s?

      Jamaica went from being a Crown Colony to being self-governing
      Jamaica went from EIC rule to being self-governing
      Correct answer: Jamaica went from being self-governing to being a Crown Colony

      Q4.
      Where did the Opium Wars help extend Britain's informal empire to?

      Africa
      Correct answer: China
      India
      Jamaica

      Q5.
      Which statement is most accurate?

      Correct answer: Social Darwinism was used to argue Britain was superior to others
      Social Darwinism was used to argue Britain was inferior to others
      Social Darwinism was used to argue Britain was equal to others

      Q6.
      Which statement is most accurate?

      The British Empire always remained the same.
      Correct answer: The British Empire was ruled differently in different colonies.
      The British Empire grew smaller during the 19th century.

      To help you plan your 9 history lesson on: Transformation in the British Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...