Science at the End of Empire: Experts and the Development of the British Caribbean, 1940-62

This book explores Britain's plans for industrial development in its Caribbean colonies, highlighting the role of laboratory research in re-inventing sugarcane as a raw material for fuels, plastics, and drugs. It also examines the practical and political functions of scientific research and economic advisors in shaping the region's future, as Britain and America competed for influence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 05 September 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This groundbreaking book offers a fresh perspective on Britain's plans for industrial development in its Caribbean colonies, challenging the notion that such ambitions were never considered by the British. It reveals that Britain's response to the economic challenges faced in the Caribbean prioritized laboratory research aimed at re-inventing sugarcane as a vital raw material for producing fuels, plastics, and drugs. By delving into the practical and political roles of scientific research and economic advisors for Britain during a period of increasing autonomy for Caribbean governments and the US's territorial expansion, Science at the End of Empire sheds light on the intricate dynamics of power and influence in the region.

Britain's preferred route to industrial development faced a significant challenge from an alternative proposed by the Caribbean Commission. The provision of knowledge and expertise became crucial channels through which Britain and America competed to shape the future of the Caribbean and secure their respective positions within it.

The book explores the intricate interplay between scientific research, economic advisors, and the broader political context of the time. It sheds light on the strategies employed by both Britain and America to promote their interests and influence in the region, including the establishment of research institutions, the exchange of scientists and technicians, and the negotiation of trade agreements.

Through its detailed analysis, Science at the End of Empire provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex history of the Caribbean and the role played by science and technology in shaping its development. It challenges traditional narratives and offers a new perspective on the complex web of relationships and conflicts that shaped the region's history.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 236 x 161 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526131386