Cornwallis: Soldier and Statesman in a Revolutionary World

Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquis of Cornwallis, was a prominent figure in late 18th-century Britain who was a soldier, governor, and statesman. This new biography by Richard Middleton reveals that Cornwallis was a reformer who had empathy for those under his authority and sought to govern justly, protecting the population of Bengal with a constitution of written laws, insisting on Catholic emancipation in Ireland, and recognizing the limitations of British power after the American war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2022
Publisher: Yale University Press

Charles, First Marquis of Cornwallis, a prominent figure in late 18th-century Britain, played a significant role in various historical events across America, India, Britain, and Ireland. His career spanned the American War of Independence, the Irish Union, the French Revolutionary Wars, and the establishment of the Second British Empire in India. However, a common portrayal of Cornwallis often associates him with the negative aspects of Britain's colonial past, leading to an inaccurate image of him.

In Richard Middleton's groundbreaking new biography, the true nature of Cornwallis emerges as a reformer who possessed a profound sense of empathy for those under his command. He was unwavering in his commitment to govern justly, striving to safeguard the population of Bengal through the establishment of a constitution of written laws. Moreover, Cornwallis advocated for Catholic emancipation in Ireland and acknowledged the limitations of British power following the American war.

Middleton's research unveils how Cornwallis's policies of rewarding merit, promoting efficiency, and eradicating corruption played a pivotal role in shaping the machinery of British government into the 19th century. His leadership not only improved the functioning of the government but also left a lasting legacy in terms of promoting justice, equality, and progress in the regions he governed.

Through this comprehensive biography, readers gain a fresh perspective on Charles Cornwallis, challenging the prevailing narratives and revealing him as a complex and multifaceted figure who played a crucial role in shaping the history of Britain and its colonies. Cornwallis emerges as a reformer who aimed to improve the lives of those under his rule, demonstrating a commitment to justice, equality, and progress that continues to inspire us today.

Weight: 856g
Dimension: 199 x 284 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300196801