The World's First Superpower From Empire To Commonwealth 1901 Present

by Denis Judd, Richard W. Judd

This course will examine the development of the British Empire from the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, via its greatest territorial extent in 1919 to its eventual decline and end in the years after World War II, and its final transformation into the Commonwealth of independent nations.

We shall examine the material advantages that the Empire brought to Britain, and also scrutinize the burdens and anxieties that it imposed. It is important to realize what an extraordinary, complex, and huge organization the British Empire was. One quarter of the human race lived within its borders and it covered about the same amount of the globe.

We shall proceed chronologically, but also look closely at particular themes and interactions. Not every single unit in this huge global organization will be assessed, but we will seek to uncover the basic historical truths overall about what happened and why

Genres: History

About the author

Denis Judd was born in Northamptonshire in 1938 and educated in a village primary school before passing the 'Eleven Plus' and entering the local grammar school. He won a State Scholarship to Oxford, where he took his first degree in Modern History at Magdalen College, going on to study for a PhD at London University, on: 'A. J. Balfour and the evolution and problems of the British Empire 1874-1906.' He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

He has been Head of History, and is now Professor Emeritus of Imperial and Commonwealth History, at the London Metropolitan University. In his research, writing and broadcasting he has specialised in the British Empire and Commonwealth, especially South Africa and India. He has also written extensively on British history, on aspects of the monarchy, and among his biographies is the authorised life of the children’s author Alison Uttley.

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was skepitcal that this would be valuable for subject so huge but it is a good summary of the time period and with some great insights.

[Aaronb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second in a series - it repeats some of the same themes as the first volume but I still found it interesting. The chapters on sports in the empire and the dissolution of the empire after WWII were very well done. It gives you extra appreciation for Britain's accomplishments. Hundreds of islands have England to thank for their foundations of law and government, and most foundered when they succeeded at breaking away and trying to run their countries for themselves.
The chapters on Britain double crossing the South African natives were fascinating. And Britain becoming bankrupt after the war and selling pieces wholesale was an eye opener!