Colonial Encounters in a Time of Global Conflict, 1914-1918

This volume explores the diverse range of colonial encounters during the First World War, examining how people interacted across different intersections of nationality, race, gender, class, religion, and language. It examines how encounters shaped issues such as cross-racial intimacy, identity formation, anti-colonial networks, civil rights movements, and visions of a post-war future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume brings together a diverse group of scholars from around the world to explore the unprecedented scope of colonial encounters during the First World War. Over four million men of color, along with an even larger number of white Europeans and Americans, traversed the globe in various ways. While some individuals found themselves caught up in the turmoil, whether in occupied areas, behind the warzone, or in neutral countries, others were nonetheless swept into the maelstrom. The chapters in this book examine a wide range of experiences, from local interactions in New Zealand, Britain, and East Africa to army camps and hospitals in France and Mesopotamia, from cafes and clubs in Salonika and London to anticolonial networks in Germany, the United States, and the Dutch East Indies. By examining the actions and experiences of a diverse group of soldiers, medics, writers, photographers, and revolutionaries, the volume seeks to reconceptualize this conflict as a pivotal moment in the history of global encounters.

The book delves into the complex ways in which people interacted across diverse intersections of nationality, race, gender, class, religion, and language. It explores how encounters, both direct and mediated, forced and unforced, shaped a range of issues, including cross-racial intimacy, identity formation, anti-colonial networks, civil rights movements, and visions of a post-war future. The twelve chapters in the book explore spaces and processes of encounter to understand how the intertwined realities of war, race, and empire were experienced, recorded, and instrumentalized.

One of the key themes that emerges from the chapters is the ways in which colonial encounters during the First World War facilitated the emergence of new forms of racial and cultural identity. The war brought people from different parts of the world together in unprecedented numbers, challenging existing notions of race and ethnicity. Soldiers and medics, for example, often found themselves working alongside individuals from different backgrounds, and this exposure led to a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity.

Another theme is the role that encounters played in shaping anti-colonial movements and ideologies. The war provided a fertile ground for the growth of anticolonial sentiment, as individuals began to question the legitimacy of European imperialism and the exploitation of colonial peoples. The experiences of individuals caught up in the war, such as those who fought against colonial forces or worked to support anticolonial campaigns, contributed to the development of a global anti-colonial consciousness.

The book also explores the ways in which encounters influenced the development of civil rights movements. The war brought attention to the inequalities and injustices faced by marginalized communities, including women, workers, and people of color. The experiences of individuals who fought for civil rights, such as those who participated in the women's suffrage movement or the civil rights movement in the United States, were influenced by their encounters with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

Finally, the book examines the ways in which encounters shaped visions of a post-war future. The war brought about significant changes in the global political landscape, and individuals who were involved in the war sought to shape the future in ways that would promote peace, justice, and equality. The experiences of individuals who worked towards the establishment of international institutions, such as the League of Nations or the United Nations, were influenced by their encounters with individuals from different parts of the world and their commitment to promoting global cooperation.

In conclusion, this volume provides a rich and nuanced exploration of the unprecedented range of colonial encounters during the First World War. By examining the actions and experiences of a diverse group of individuals, the book sheds light on the complex ways in which encounters shaped the history of global encounters. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and multifaceted relationship between war, race, and empire in the twentieth century.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032072104