“British actions in Afghanistan were due to the fear of Russian invasion.” Discuss.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that British actions in Afghanistan were due to fear of Russian invasion. Candidates may refer to the advancement of Tsarist Russia into Central Asia as being extremely detrimental to British political and economic interests in India. The British would be able to use Afghanistan as a buffer state against Russia. Control of Afghanistan, particularly the mountain passes, would make halting further Russian expansion in Central Asia, particularly in the direction of British India, much easier. The Khyber Pass was the land route to the east and the spice trade. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example the control of trade routes and commerce and the fact that India and Central Asia had close ties for over 2000 years. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the statement that British actions in Afghanistan were due to fear of Russian invasion.