War Commemoration and Civic Culture in the North East of England, 1854-1914

This book explores how war memorials in North East England changed over time, reflecting broader socio-economic and political transformations in Britain. It examines the motivations of the memorial organizers and the narratives they sought to convey.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 291 pages
Publication date: 18 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into a diverse array of civic war memorials situated in North East England, honoring three significant clusters of conflicts: the Crimean War and Indian Rebellion in the 1850s, the 'small wars of the 1880s, and the Boer War from 1899 to 1902. Spanning a considerable period and encompassing diverse social, political, and cultural contexts, it conducts a thorough analysis of how and why war memorials and commemorative practices underwent significant transformations during this pivotal era of social transition and imperial expansion. By examining the motivations of the memorial organizers and the narratives they sought to convey, the author makes a compelling argument that developments in war commemoration were predominantly shaped by and reflected broader socio-economic and political transformations occurring in nineteenth-century and early-twentieth-century Britain.

The Crimean War, which took place between 1853 and 1856, marked a significant chapter in British imperial history. It was a conflict between the Russian Empire and the British Empire, with both sides seeking to expand their influence in the region. The war resulted in a British victory and the annexation of Crimea, a strategic peninsula that gave the British access to the Black Sea. However, the war also had a profound impact on British society, with many people questioning the costs and benefits of imperialism.

The Indian Rebellion, which occurred in the 1850s, was another conflict that had a significant impact on British society. It was a rebellion against British rule in India, led by Indian nationalists who sought to establish a separate Indian state. The rebellion was brutally suppressed by the British, and it led to a significant increase in British military and political presence in India.

The 'small wars of the 1880s' were a series of conflicts that took place in various parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. These conflicts were often fought between European powers and local indigenous populations, and they were often characterized by brutal tactics and high casualties. The 'small wars of the 1880s' had a significant impact on British society, with many people questioning the morality and efficacy of imperialism.

The Boer War, which took place between 1899 and 1902, was a conflict between the British Empire and the Boer Republics in South Africa. The war was fought primarily over land rights, with the Boers seeking to establish independent states in the region. The war was long and bloody, and it resulted in a significant loss of life and property for both sides.

The book explores how and why war memorials and commemorative practices changed during these three clusters of conflicts. It examines the role that different social, political, and cultural factors played in shaping these changes. For example, the book discusses how the rise of nationalism in the late nineteenth century influenced the way that war memorials were designed and constructed. It also examines how the changing nature of warfare, with the advent of new technologies and strategies, influenced the way that war memorials were commemorated.

The book also explores the different narratives that war memorials sought to convey. It examines how these narratives were shaped by the broader social, political, and cultural contexts in which they were created. For example, the book discusses how war memorials were used to promote national unity and patriotism, as well as to commemorate the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the conflicts.

Overall, this book provides a valuable insight into the history of war memorials and commemorative practices in North East England. It offers a comprehensive analysis of how and why these practices changed during a key period of social transition and imperial expansion. The book is well-written and accessible, and it will be of interest to scholars and students of history, sociology, and cultural studies.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030785956
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021