The Decline of the British Empire: Postcolonialism and Legacy
The Transcontinental Railway and Postcolonialism
The concept of a “Transcontinental Railway” was linked to the union of British and Afrikaners, aiming for a “greater” entity. Postcolonialism emerged as a literary and theoretical school of thought. Writers from former British colonies explored the complex relationship between these colonies and Britain. These writers, often labeled as “subversive,” critiqued British actions, using English rather than local languages. Africa was often described by Europeans as “The Dark Continent,” a racist concept.
The British Empire’s Decline
UNIT 6: The British Empire (II) The Empire’s decline began after World War I, which marked the beginning of its end. The breakup of the Ottoman Empire led to divisions among France, Great Britain, and the Balfour Declaration. Britain faced challenges, including unrest in Ireland, doubts about the Empire, anti-imperialism, economic issues, and budget cuts. More resources were allocated to domestic problems.
World War II and its Impact
Hitler admired the British Empire, but criticized its “conciliatory” approach. He believed involving Britain in war would only benefit the US and Japan. The British had to decide whether to focus on Europe or maintain the Empire. Threats came from Germany, France, the USA, and Japan. The Empire and nationalism were incompatible. British troops suffered major losses due to being “overstretched.” In 1941, the US entered the war, which Churchill saw as a turning point. The war ended in 1945.
American and British Perspectives
American views opposed formal rule over subject peoples, advocating for self-governance and democracy. The US did not want to support the British Empire. British views saw a “double standard” in the American position. By the war’s end, the British Empire was heavily mortgaged. Britain was a declining power, while America was rising. The British Pound Sterling was replaced by the American Dollar as the international currency.
The Empire’s Breakup and its Consequences
The Palestine Mandate became untenable, opposition to British rule grew in Egypt, and British influence waned in favor of the Americans. The Dominions became more independent, and countries like Australia and Canada experienced new ethnic diversity due to post-WWII immigration. In India, the Indian National Congress advocated for independence. Gandhi’s civil disobedience and non-violent protests led to his assassination. Demonstrations against British rule resulted in massacres, portraying the British as terrorists and racists, and creating nationalist martyrs. There was a crisis of confidence in the ruling class, and Home Rule was not achieved peacefully. Indians were not granted more political and legal power. WWII helped them with troops but hinted at “Home Rule”. In Pakistan, sporadic violence arose from conflicting claims. India became ungovernable.
In Africa, there were two types of colonies: indirect rule and colonies of white settlement with some European and British administration. The white population ruled but was a minority. The Empire’s implosion led to more profitable trade with Europe, greater security in Europe, an unaffordable and unpalatable Empire, a friendship with the USA, and more investment in Europe than the Commonwealth due to Britain’s entry into the EU.
The British Empire is often remembered for its vulgar expressions and football, but its true legacy includes commerce, culture, civilization, the free market, capitalism, labor mobility, international trade, mass education, and sportsmanship.