Thread by @mininghistory

Now we have @Aluminiumville and Jeremy Mouat on efforts to create an inperial minerals strategy for the British Empire in the aftermath of WWI. #WEHC2018

.@Aluminiumville: a central part of this strategy was trying to ensure control by British capital over mineral deposits in the Empire. #WEHC2018

.@Aluminiumville: this was partly prompted by fear of German control over metals during WWI, what popularly became known as 'the German octopus'. #WEHC2018

.@Aluminiumville: there were major ambiguities in British metals policy though, as Dominions were promised greater autonomy at the same time. This meant the ability to sell minerals on the world market at the highest price, not necessarily to Britain. #WEHC2018

.@Aluminiumville: the policy is a failure, and the imperial institutions established are dissolved in 1924 when Dominion governments withdraw their financial support. #WEHC2018