British Imperialism

Rob Johnson

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN: 9780333947258
• eBook ISBN: 9781403940315
• Edition: 1
• Topic: History
• Subtopic: World History
• Index: History

What was British imperialism and was it an important element of modern globalization? Were economic, political or military factors paramount in imperial expansion? Do post-colonial theories assist or mislead historians? How have histories of imperialism changed, and are current analyses satisfactory? Robert Johnson's invaluable guide offers a succint, easy-to-follow introduction to the key issues and historiography of British imperialism from its origins to the conversion to the Commonwealth. British Imperialism
- Provides concise introductions to key questions and debates
- Takes a question-based approach to analysis of the material
- Offers an assessment of the significance of economic, military and political factors in imperial expansion and decolonization
- Presents critical appraisals of the most recent controversies including neo-colonialism, cultural imperialism, post-colonial theory, and gender and imperialism
- Includes a useful guide to further reading Using vivid examples, Johnson clearly explains the nature of British imperialism and enables the reader to understand the causes, course and immediate consequences of the British-colonial encounter on a world-wide scale. His book is an essential starting point for all those new to the subject and a helpful introduction to more recent debates.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Preface
• Map 1 The British Empire in 1815
• Map 2 British India, c.1757-1947
• Map 3 European possessions in Africa, 1914
• 1 Introduction: what was British imperialism?
• 2 What was the nature of imperialism in the early nineteenth century?
• 3 What was the nature of British rule in India, c.1770-1858?
• 4 ‘New Imperialism’ and ’Gentlemanly Capitalism’: did the flag follow trade?
• 5 What were the motives and effects of colonisation and migration?
• 6 Collaboration and resistance: was the Empire held by coercion or co-operation?
• 7 Colonial discourse: was there an ideology of imperialism?
• 8 Was the British Empire racialist or racist?
• 9 What was the significance of gender to British imperialism?
• 10 The Great War: watershed or continuity?
• 11 How did British imperialism meet the challenges of the inter-war years?
• 12 What effect did the Second World War have on British imperialism?
• 13 Decolonisation after 1945: how did British imperialism end?
• 14 What was the cultural legacy of imperialism?
• Chronology
• Notes
• Select bibliography
• Index