What Was the Impact of Imperialism on Britain, 1857-1918?

British Empire – The Impact of Imperialism on Britain

In this course, we examine the rise and fall of British imperial power from 1857 to 1967, focusing on: (i) the Empire’s expansion through territorial gains in India, Africa, and Asia and the economic exploitation that enriched Britain while straining colonies; (ii) the impact of WWI on British imperial control, including contributions from Commonwealth forces, territorial gains under the mandate system, and rising anti-colonial sentiment; (iii) WWII’s role in accelerating decolonisation, as Commonwealth contributions intensified calls for independence, and Britain’s global power waned amid U.S.-Soviet dominance; (iv) post-war decolonisation driven by financial strain and nationalist movements, culminating in the Empire's formal end in 1966; and (v) the lasting effects of British rule on modern conflicts in regions like Ireland, Palestine, and Kenya.

What Was the Impact of Imperialism on Britain, 1857-1918?

In this lecture, we examine the impact of British imperial power on Britain itself from 1857 to 1967, focusing on: (i) Britain’s imperial expansion from 1857 to World War I, with territorial gains in India, Africa, and Asia and a growing colonial administration; (ii) economic and ideological frameworks of empire, distinguishing “formal” rule from “informal” economic control; (iii) colonial economic exploitation, especially in India and Africa, which enriched Britain while depleting colonial resources; (iv) the interwar shift in imperial dynamics as anti-colonial movements and economic pressures grew; and (v) post-World War II decolonisation, driven by financial strain and independence movements, reshaping Britain’s global role.