What sources can tell us about the expansion of Empire
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain that different sources can tell us different things about the impact of the expansion of empire, which has been debated by historians.
Key learning points
- Historians draw upon a range of sources and interpretations to study the expansion of the British Empire.
- Sources may tell us different things about the expansion of empire depending on their provenance.
- Some historians argue that the expansion of empire did have some positive impacts, particularly in India.
- Many historians criticise the British for the cruel and violent treatment of indigenous peoples in the colonies.
Keywords
Interpretation - the process by which we analyse and explain past events
Provenance - a term used to describe a source's background; its nature, origin and purpose
Common misconception
All British sources on imperial expansion were positive.
Not all British sources on imperial expansion were positive. There was nuance due to British awareness of the realities of empire. However, British sources are more likely to be positive in outlook regarding British imperial expansion.
Teacher tip
Help students to develop a deeper understanding of how to critically evaluate historical information and draw more informed conclusions about the past, through conveying a thorough understanding of source provenance.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word describes the British colony in southern Africa?
Q2.Which word describes a member of the Dutch population which settled in southern Africa in the late 17th century?
Q3.Why did Britain invade parts of southern Africa between 1860 and 1890?
Q4.Which of the following were tactics used by the British against the Boers?
Q5.Which treaty was passed in 1902 to end the Boer Wars?
Q6.Which of these social reforms were introduced following the Boer Wars?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word describes the process by which we analyse and explain past events?
Q2.Which term is used to describe a source's background?
Q3.Why are contemporary cartoons useful sources for a historian studying the expansion of the British Empire?
Q4.Complete the sentence: Some historians argue that the expansion of empire did have some impacts, particularly in India.
Q5.Match each element of source provenance with the correct description.
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?
Q6.Which of the following examples would a historian who is presenting a negative view of empire point to?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: What sources can tell us about the expansion of Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: What sources can tell us about the expansion of Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Britain: Migration, empires and the people - c790 to the present day unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.