The undisputed best introduction to the history of the world-wide pattern of British activity in the nineteenth century, embracing its expansive spirit as well as its formal territorial empire. The dynamics of this extraordinary enterprise are considered broadly: the high-political concerns of strategy and international geopolitics are analyzed, as well as the economic dimension, missionary activity, and racial attitudes, together with a wide range of cultural aspects, including sport and the pursuit of sexual opportunity. Nor is the personal contribution of some of the leading Victorian figures neglected.

Autorentext

RONALD HYAM is a Fellow and former President of Magdalene College, and Emeritus Reader in British Imperial History at the University of Cambridge. He is the author of numerous studies on the British Empire, including Empire and Sexuality and he has edited two volumes for the British Documents on the End of Empire Project. He was awarded the LittD degree in 1993.

Inhalt

List of Tables List of Maps Foreword; D.A.Low Preface The Foundations of Power, 1815-70 The Motives and Methods of Expansion, 1815-65 The Decline of British Pre-eminence, 1855-1900 The Search for Stability, 1880-1914 The Dynamics of Empire and Expansion Postscript References Select Bibliography Index