TEACHER RESOURCE 1: THE BRITISH EMPIRE

BRITISH COLONIAL EXPANSION

Resources in this inquiry include:

1.    Links to year 5 Achievement Standards
2.    Notes on the British Empire
3.    Resources
Student activities
·         Using Historical Language
·         A Changing World
·         The British Empire in 1900
·         Mapping the Colonies
·         Waving the Flag

1. Links to Achievement Standards

·         Place events in a chronological sequence and complete annotated timelines.
·         Understand the cause and impact of events or developments.
·         Use appropriate terms and concepts in communication.
·         Identify relevant sources and information for an inquiry.

THE BRITISH EMPIRE 1900

2. Background Information on the British Empire

By 1921, approximately one in four people across the world was ruled by Britain. New Holland or the Great South Land was colonised as an outpost of the British Empire. British motivation for Empire included the quest for markets and resources (economic factors) to fuel the Industrial Revolution, the importance of territorial conquest and competition with other powerful nations for colonies, and protection of merchant and naval fleets (political and strategic factors). The need for Penal Colonies was also a factor. For further reading go to Background Information.

3. Web Resources:

Sites for blank world maps

• http://www.studentsfriend.com/aids/curraids/maps/sfworldp.pdf
• http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/worldout.htm

Sites for maps of the British Empire

• http://www.learning-connections.co.uk/curric/cur_pri/victorians/handson/answers/hands_1.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_British_Empire.png

Useful web sites on the Industrial Revolution include:

• http://www.cottontimes.co.uk/
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/victorians/workshop_of_the_world_01.shtml

See TEACHER RESOURCE 1: Historical Milestones – Timeline 1492 to 1900
A timeline of World, Eastern States and Western Australian History

A useful and interactive timeline reference for British history is:

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/interactive/timelines/british/index_embed.shtml

Key Word search: World events 1800s, British Empire, Australia 1800s, UK History, British timeline, Colony, Napoleonic War, Sudan

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

See TEACHER RESOURCE 1:  Vocabulary (Using Historical Language)
The table shows words that are used within this Swan River Colony course.

Suggested STUDENT ACTIVITY - Historical Language
The table can be used as a review activity for students.
Jumble the definitions or list the words out of order for students to match with the definitions.

Suggested STUDENT ACTIVITY - A Changing World
What was happening in the world in the 1800s? Create an annotated timeline 1800 - 1900.

Large sheets of blank paper are placed around the classroom by decade from 1800 to 1900 to create a timeline. Each sheet is divided into thirds – one each for Europe, the Eastern Colonies and Western Australia. As students discover a significant event they put it into the correct decade and column. Continue to add to the timeline throughout the study period.

USEFUL SITES FOR THE STUDENT TIMELINE ACTIVITY

• http://www.convictcentral.com/index.html
• http://www.racismnoway.com.au/about-racism/timeline/index.html
• http://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/timeline.asp
• http://vrroom.naa.gov.au/search/bytopic/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Australian_history#19th_century

See STUDENT ACTIVITY 1: The British Empire in 1900:
Use map to answer questions about the British Empire in 1900

See STUDENT ACTIVITY 1: Mapping the Colonies:
Teacher supplies blank map of the world (see website links above). Students draw and name the British colonies in 1900. On the chart in the Student Activity sheet, list TEN colonies in one column and write products used from the colony in the other column.

See STUDENT ACTIVITY 1: Waving the Flag:
Students research the flags of the Australian states to discover their links to Britain.