British Imperialism

ISBN-13: 9780333947265 / Angielski / Miękka / 2003 / 284 str.

Rob Johnson

Opis

This essential guide offers a succinct, easy-to-read introduction to the key issues and historiography of British imperialism from the late Eighteenth-century to the present. Each chapter addresses questions posed by the nature of imperialism in its various military, economic, political and cultural forms, while current controversies - including the impact of Orientalism and post-colonialism - are explained and set in the context of previous debates. The first book in Palgrave Macmillan's Histories and Controversies series, British Imperialism enables readers to rapidly assimilate both historiography and key aspects of Britain's imperial power and influence.

Spis treści

Preface.- List of Maps.- Introduction: What was British Imperialism?.- What was the Nature of Imperialism in the Early Nineteenth Century?.- What was the Nature of British Rule in India, c.1770-1858?.- 'New Imperialism' and 'Gentlemanly Capitalism': Did the Flag Follow Trade?.- What were the Motives and Effects of Colonization and Migration?.- Collaboration and Resistance: What were the Limits to British Imperialism?.- Colonial Discourse: Was there an Ideology of Imperialism?.- Was British Imperialism Racialist or Racist?.- What was the Significance of Gender to British Imperialism?.- The Great War: Watershed or Continuity?.- How did British Imperialism Meet the Nationalist Challenge, 1919-1939?.- What Effect did the Second World War have on British Imperialism?.- Decolonization after 1945: How did British Imperialism Come to an End?.- What was the Cultural Legacy of Imperialism?.- Chronology.- Select Bibliography.- Index.

O autorze

ROBERT JOHNSON is Deputy Director of the Changing Character of Warfare Programme, University of Oxford, UK.

Blurb

What was British imperialism and was it an important element of modern globalization? Were economic, political or military factors paramount in imperial expansion? Do post-colonial theories assist or mislead historians? How have histories of imperialism changed, and are current analyses satisfactory?

Robert Johnson's invaluable guide offers a succint, easy-to-follow introduction to the key issues and historiography of British imperialism from its origins to the conversion to the Commonwealth.

British Imperialism
- provides concise introductions to key questions and debates
- takes a question-based approach to analysis of the material
- offers an assessment of the significance of economic, military and political factors in imperial expansion and decolonization
- presents critical appraisals of the most recent controversies including neo-colonialism, cultural imperialism, post-colonial theory, and gender and imperialism
- includes a useful guide to further reading

Using vivid examples, Johnson clearly explains the nature of British imperialism and enables the reader to understand the causes, course and immediate consequences of the British-colonial encounter on a world-wide scale. His book is an essential starting point for all those new to the subject and a helpful introduction to more recent debates.