British Empire

Definition

The British Empire was one of the largest empires in history, at its height controlling vast territories across continents including North America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. It significantly influenced global trade, politics, and culture during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its expansion was driven by economic interests, a desire for resources, and the spread of British cultural values, which often played a pivotal role in Victorian poetry that reflected both pride in imperial achievements and critique of its consequences.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. At its peak in the early 20th century, the British Empire covered about a quarter of the world's land area and governed around one-fifth of the global population.
2. The British Empire was characterized by both economic exploitation and cultural exchange, leading to significant changes in the societies it touched.
3. Victorian poets often grappled with themes of empire, reflecting a mix of national pride and awareness of the moral complexities associated with imperialism.
4. The idea of 'the White Man's Burden' emerged during this time, suggesting that it was the responsibility of Western powers to civilize non-Western peoples, which was both praised and criticized in literature.
5. The decline of the British Empire began in the mid-20th century, influenced by rising nationalism in colonized regions and changing attitudes toward colonial rule in Britain itself.

Review Questions

• How did the British Empire influence Victorian poetry, particularly in terms of themes and representation?
  • The British Empire deeply influenced Victorian poetry by introducing themes related to colonialism, national pride, and the moral implications of imperialism. Poets often used their work to express both admiration for Britain's achievements and critique the negative impacts on colonized peoples. This duality created a complex relationship between the empire's grandeur and its darker realities, which poets like Tennyson explored in their writings.
• Analyze how concepts like 'the White Man's Burden' reflect the attitudes towards colonialism found in Victorian literature.
  • 'The White Man's Burden' is a concept that emerged during the Victorian era suggesting that it was the duty of Western nations to civilize non-Western societies. This attitude is evident in many works of Victorian literature, which often portray colonial endeavors as noble missions. However, this concept has also been critiqued for justifying exploitation and oppression under the guise of altruism. Thus, literature from this period reveals a tension between pride in imperial accomplishments and recognition of their moral consequences.
• Evaluate the impact of the decline of the British Empire on literary movements in Britain during the 19th century.
  • The decline of the British Empire had profound effects on literary movements in Britain throughout the 19th century. As former colonies began to gain independence, literature began to reflect a shift in attitudes towards imperialism. Writers increasingly challenged romanticized views of empire, incorporating themes of disillusionment and questioning national identity into their works. This period saw a rise in post-colonial narratives that critiqued colonial legacy, influencing modern literary movements and reshaping how history is understood through literature.

Related terms

Colonialism: A practice where a country establishes control over foreign territories and peoples, often exploiting their resources and imposing its culture.

Imperialism: The policy or ideology of extending a country's influence through diplomacy or military force to acquire new territories or exert control over existing ones.

Victorian Morality: A set of social norms that emphasized propriety, duty, and respectability during the reign of Queen Victoria, often shaping attitudes toward empire and its subjects.