The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume IV: The Twentieth Century

The Oxford History of the British Empire #4

by Judith M. Brown (Editor), William Roger Louis (Editor)

The fourth installment in this distinguished and unprecedented series brings us to the twentieth century. As with the other volumes, this book includes the work of leading scholars.
Here, readers confront the many facets of the imperial experience in the final century of the British Empire, above all the rapid processes of decolonization that began at mid-century. Volume IV attempts to understand the men who managed the empire, their priorities and visions as leaders, and the mechanisms of control which held the empire together. There are chapters on imperial centers of activity, on the geographical periphery of the empire, and on the entirety of its connecting mechanisms, including institutions and the flow of people, money, goods, and services. Contributors also explore the experiences of Britain's imperial subjects in culture, politics, and economics--those experiences which fostered the growth of vibrant, and often new, national identities and movements as well as--ultimately--new nation-states. It concludes with decolonization and the reshaping of the political map of the world.
About the Series
The Oxford History of the British Empire is a major new assessment of the Empire in the light of recent scholarship and the progressive opening of historical records. It deals with the interaction of British and non-western societies from the Elizabethan era to the late twentieth century, provides a balanced treatment of the ruled as well as the rulers, and takes into account the significance of the Empire for the peoples of the British Isles. All five of the volumes in this series fully explore economic and social as well as political trends.

Genres: History, British Literature, Nonfiction, World History

800 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Judith M. Brown is a historian of modern South Asia. From 1990–2011 she was the Beit Professor of Commonwealth History and a Fellow of Balliol College, Oxford.

Reviews

[Benemint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely amazing volume. No need to read it all. Pick chapters you want to read. The editor did a wonderful job maintaining the quality of every article high. If you have any question about the British empire in 20C, this is the first go-to book.

[Colonel Sir Cedric Wycliffe-Hawthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume IV: The Twentieth Century by Judith M. Brown and William Roger Louis

The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume IV: The Twentieth Century provides an insightful exploration of the final phase of the British Empire’s existence, examining the various factors that shaped its decline and the complex processes of decolonization. As the British Empire faced dramatic transformations, the book highlights key events, figures, and ideas that contributed to the end of imperial rule and the rise of new nations.

Key Themes and Insights:
• De-colonization and the Post-War Era: The volume addresses the pivotal moment in the twentieth century when former colonies began asserting their independence. This era, marked by both the loss of territories and the transformation of the global order, is scrutinized through a series of case studies that show the varying approaches to independence across the empire. The authors delve into the political and cultural mechanisms of decolonization, particularly the struggles that emerged as former colonies established their new identities.
• The Role of Key Figures: The book provides a thorough analysis of the men and women who played critical roles in managing the empire during its final decades. It highlights not only the British policymakers but also the leaders of the newly emerging nations. The complex relationships and negotiations that led to the Empire’s restructuring are presented in a way that captures the intricate political maneuvering of the time.
• Geographical and Economic Shifts: One of the strengths of this volume is its exploration of the Empire’s geographical and economic periphery. The authors examine how imperial control was maintained in various parts of the world, particularly the economic systems and the connections that were forged between Britain and its colonies. This aspect of the book highlights the global reach of the Empire and the ways in which it impacted worldwide economics, culture, and politics.
• Cultural and Political Evolution: The volume also dives into the cultural and political impact of the British Empire. As the colonies gained independence, there was a shift in identity and national consciousness, which is explored in depth. The themes of nationalism, identity, and self-determination are critical to understanding the larger political and social forces at play during this period.

Final Verdict:
The Oxford History of the British Empire: Volume IV: The Twentieth Century is a well-researched and comprehensive study of the final years of the British Empire. The editors and contributors provide a broad yet detailed look at the complexities of imperial management, the challenges of decolonization, and the shifting political dynamics of the time. While it is an essential read for those interested in the end of empire and the birth of new nations, the book may have benefitted from a deeper focus on the military aspect of British imperialism in the twentieth century, which would appeal more to Sir Cedric’s interests.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — A thorough and insightful volume, providing a nuanced perspective on the decline of the British Empire. While its academic approach is valuable, a stronger emphasis on military dynamics would make it even more compelling for those focused on imperial strategy.

[Brian]

The Oxford History of the British Empire edited by WM Roger Louis is an excellent compilation of top scholarship related to all aspects of the British Empire. Various authors contributed well written chapters to create an understanding of the Empire by century. Volume four is an understanding of the twentieth century and looks at the fall of the empire. The Empires performance in World War 1 and 2 are assessed in the first half and the myth of the unified empire is explored. The British Empire in World War 2 was able to harness the power of all the countries to move as a unified force but the myth of British invincibility was shattered. The promises of freedom that the allies fought for was transformed into a reality as the Dominions and Commonwealth argued for independence after the war. Some areas were granted independence very quickly after the war and British trusteeship proved unable to combat the flaring ethnic and racial tensions appearing around the world. In Asia the myth of British invincibility was destroyed by the fall of Singapore and proved that Britain as a paper tiger in the east. The empire went into severe decline with the Suez Crises and Britain's miscalculations of their position as a world power. The book does an excellent job of tying together a wide range of sources and giving a great perspective on the British Empire as a whole. It covers the areas of the globe relevant to the Empire and is very focused on the information presented. If you want to learn about any aspect of the Empire in the 20th century this is a great place to start.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would be lying if I said I read every page of this volume. There is a huge amount of information here, sometimes so much that it is to the detriment of its readability. The different essays by different scholars does not lend itself to making the book a page turner, but I can't picture there being many better sources of information on the subject.