Summary:
How far was war the key factor in explaining changing attitudes to empire in Britian in the Years 1870-1970?
In 1870, Britain had an Empire but more importantly, a passion for it. By 1970, with rapid decolonisation taking place, a sense of apathy and humiliation had replaced the enthusiasm for Empire. It is because of this seemingly remarkable reversal in support for imperial retention that there is a tendency to highlight war (this period played host to four) as the major factor in explaining changing attitudes to Empire, in this relatively short period of time. Certainly, war, in its essence, did have a disfiguring effect on Britain's imperial structure. The assumption, therefore, is not an incorrect one. However, it is far too simplistic. After all, the period between 1870 - 1970 did not see a simple progression from confidence to apathy. The pendulum often swung back and forth during this time. It is therefore important.....
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