- What was it?
- Informal empire were places influenced by Britain. Usually economically, via free trade agreements or by British investment in the country. British influence also derived from commerce, financed by British capital, carried in British ships and providing profits for British companies, bankers and insurance firms.
- Where did Britain have informal empire and how did they maintain it?
- Commercial agreements and British investment influenced Latin America, in particular Chile, Argentina and Mexico.
- British public capital in Latin America stood at over £80 million.
- 10% of British exports went to Latin America in 1865.
- Free trade agreements also brought countries like Iran and Siam (Thailand) under British influence.
- Weak Chinese empire also under influence of British Empire.
- Began with Britain’s need to sell opium to China to finance BEIC. Forced to make concessions to Britain, who used her naval power to threaten attempts to disrupt opium trade from India to China.
- Treaties of Nanking (1842) and Tientsin (1858), which were after both Opium Wars, ensured Britain gained trading bases, for example in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Settled with British people and governed under British law.
- 1863 – Robert Hart appointed head of Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs Office. Acted as branch of gov. with purpose of protecting British interests. Parts of China joined British informal empire and British gained unhindered access to Chinese markets.
- British also used naval force in making sure informal empire upheld free trade treaties in Latin America.
- In 1861, Britain put naval pressure on Mexico to maintain trade.
- In 1857 and 1863, Peru and Chile (respectively) had naval threat to ensure compliance.
- Territories of strategic importance also fell under British influence due to diplomatic pressures and appointment of key advisers.
- Sultanate of Zanzibar in East Africa, on coast of Indian Ocean, placed under British influence due to work of John Kirk. In 1891, British established a government there with John Kirk as Minister.
- In Afghanistan, Treaty of Gandamak of 1879 provided British key strategic locations and control of foreign policy.
- What does it show us about the British reasons and/or justifications for Empire?
British used empire for their own benefit, British had no ultimate control and were able to enjoy influence without responsibility