Britain's Empires: A History, 1600-2020

The British Empire has a long and complex history, including the Old Colonial System (1600-1776), the Empire of Free Trade (1776-1870), the New Imperialism (1870-1945), Decolonisation (1945-1990), and the era of humanitarian intervention (1990-2020).

Format: Hardback
Length: 506 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2022
Publisher: Anthem Press

From the Old Colonial System (1600-1776) to the Empire of Free Trade (1776-1870), the New Imperialism (1870-1945), Decolonisation (1945-1990), and the era of humanitarian intervention (1990-2020), this history explores the many different British Empires.

The Old Colonial System, which lasted from 1600 to 1776, was characterized by the establishment of colonies in North America, Africa, and Asia. These colonies were used to extract resources such as gold, silver, and spices, and to promote the growth of British trade. However, the system was also marked by the exploitation of colonial workers and the mistreatment of indigenous peoples.

The Empire of Free Trade, which followed from 1776 to 1870, was a period of economic growth and expansion for Britain. This was facilitated by the abolition of trade restrictions and the opening up of new markets in Asia and Africa. However, the Empire of Free Trade was also marked by the exploitation of colonial workers and the growth of imperialism.

The New Imperialism, which lasted from 1870 to 1945, was a period of territorial expansion and colonization for Britain. This was facilitated by the development of new technologies such as steamships and railways, which allowed for the rapid transportation of goods and people across the globe. The New Imperialism was also marked by the exploitation of colonial workers and the establishment of imperial hegemony.

Decolonisation, which lasted from 1945 to 1990, was a period of the dismantling of the British Empire. This was facilitated by the rise of nationalist movements in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, which demanded independence from British rule. Decolonisation was also marked by the establishment of new independent states, which were often plagued by economic and political instability.

The era of humanitarian intervention, which lasted from 1990 to 2020, was a period of international intervention in response to humanitarian crises. This was facilitated by the growth of international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, which provided funding and support for humanitarian efforts. The era of humanitarian intervention was also marked by the use of military force to protect civilians and promote peace.

In conclusion, Britains Empires is a history of the many different British Empires, which were marked by change and reinvention. From the Old Colonial System to the New Imperialism, Decolonisation, and the era of humanitarian intervention, this history explores the complex and multifaceted nature of British colonialism. It highlights the exploitation of colonial workers and the mistreatment of indigenous peoples, as well as the economic and political instability that often followed decolonisation. However, it also acknowledges the contributions that British colonialism made to the development of the modern world, such as the spread of English language and culture.

Weight: 914g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839987243