The British Empire 1945

Why was the empire important?

• Gave the appearance of Britain being a world power.

The empire was the ANSWER for Britain:

A RMY - provided Britain with an Indian army to control and influence events in Asia and the Middle East. The Empire fought for Britain in WW2.

N AVAL - provided Britain with important naval bases to control the seas and maintain global interests.

S UEZ - the Suez Canal provided Britain with a vital route to her empire in the Middle and Far East.

W AR - colonies provided a possible base to attack the USSR from in the Cold War.

E XPORTS - provided Britain with a huge market to export her goods.

R AW - access to vital raw materials, e.g. oil in the Middle East.

Effect of WW2

• ECONOMIC:

 1. Economic relationship reversed: Britain indebted to several colonies as she…