British imperialism / Robert Johnson.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 257-276) and index.

Map 1. The British Empire in 1815 -- Map 2. British India, c. 1757-1947 -- Map 3. European possessions in Africa, 1914 -- Introduction: What is 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 colonisation and migration? -- Collaboration and resistance: was the Empire held by coercion or co-operation? -- Colonial discourse: was there an ideology of imperialism? -- Was the British Empire racialist or racist? -- What was the significance of gender to British imperialism? -- The Great War: watershed or continuity? -- How did British imperialism meet the challenges of the inter-war years? -- What effect did the Second World War have on British imperialism? -- Decolonisation after 1945: how did British imperialism end? -- What was the cultural legacy of imperialism?

"This essential guide offers a succinct, easy-to-read introduction to the key issues and historiography of British imperialism from the late 18th 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 new Histories and Controversies series, British Imperialism enables readers to rapidly assimilate both historiography and key aspects of Britain's imperial power and influence."--Publisher description.

Machine converted from AACR2 source record.