Explores the central role of the British Empire in developing transnational ideas, institutions and social movements of increasing scope and influence in the eras of high imperialism and the two world wars. Chapters follow transnational dynamics and debates over sovereignty in the domains of sexuality, law, politics, culture and religion.

This book is an innovative collection of essays by a new generation of British and American historians and political theorists. Moving beyond a conventional action/reaction view of capitalism and its critics, the volume explores how critical traditions and beliefs have helped to shape capitalism. Chapters follow diverse critiques in Britain and America and explore their Atlantic and imperial exchanges. The volume includes chapters on questions of law and property in the Victorian empire; traditions of land reform in nineteenth century America and Britain; the influence of American romanticism...