This option allows students to study in breadth issues of change, continuity, cause and consequence in this period through the following key questions:
- Why did the British Empire grow and contract?
- What influenced imperial policy?
- What part did economic factors play in the development of the British Empire?
- How did the Empire influence British attitudes and culture?
- How did the indigenous peoples respond to British rule?
- How important was the role of key individuals and groups and how were they affected by developments?
The High Water Mark of the British Empire, c1857–1914
The development of Imperialism, c1857–c1890
- The expansion of the British Empire in Africa; the Suez Canal and Egypt
- Imperial and colonial policy; India’s administration and defence; international relations, colonial policy and the scramble for Africa; informal empire
- Trade and commerce; the chartered companies
- The role and influence on attitudes to empire of explorers, missionaries, traders, colonial administrators
- Attitudes towards imperialism in Britain; the development of party political conflicts
- Relations with indigenous peoples; the Indian Mutiny and its impact; relations with Boers and Bantu peoples in southern Africa
Imperial consolidation and Liberal rule, c1890–1914
- The consolidation and expansion of the British Empire in Africa
- Imperial and colonial policy; the administration of India and Egypt; ‘native policy’; international relations and colonial policy
- Trade and commerce
- The role and influence on attitudes to empire of: Joseph Chamberlain; Cecil Rhodes; colonial administration
- Imperialism: supporters and critics; National Efficiency; the British Empire and popular culture; representations of empire
- Relations with indigenous peoples; challenges to British rule; the Sudan; the causes and consequences of the Boer War
