2. Imperial and colonial policy, c1857-90

• 1801 - 'Colonial Office' (North America, Australia, West Indies, Africa & Mediterranean)
• Headed by a Cabinet minister/Colonial Secretary
• Seen as stepping-stone to greater things/short-term

• Course of 19C - the work undertaken increased enormously
• Middle of 19C - white settler colonies became more self-governing: responsible government
• Demands of territorial acquisitions 
• 'Orders in council' issued on the advice of law officers in London as a means of administering the Crown colonies without local consultation

• Did not have responsibility for all British possessions overseas
• Responsibilites varied
• Foreign Office had authority over some protectorates and other areas (Egypt & treaty ports in China)
• 1858: separate India Office (with its own SOS) handled Indian and Far Eastern Affairs; reflected importance of GB involvement in India and impact of Indian Mutiny (1857) which shook GB confidence

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India's administration and defence

India's administration

Previously overseen by British East India Company

Attempt to control Indian Mutiny hit GB hard; lasted 1 year, 1,000s of deaths; Dispatch of GB troops to support EICArmy: demonstrated GB resolve to retain India at all costs; Not surprising GB gov determined a change of rule necessary to prevent recurrence

'We desire to show Our Mercy, by pardoning the Offences of those who have been thus misled'. - Queen Vic

The Government of India Act, 1858

• EIC handed territories, running & control of India to GB gov & the Company was entirely dissolved
• Secretary of State for India position created: controlled Indian Civil Service
• Assisted by Indian Council
• The Crown appointed a Viceroy to…