Imperialist Ideals Flashcards
Why was the Britain population bombarded with imperial imagery in the 20th century?
To try and keep the spirit of empire alive, as well as the fact that media, mass communication and social organisation were extremely prevalent at this time.
Britain were also keen to encourage trade with the empire following the world wars due to its reliability, hence the British governments support for a lot of the imperial imagery despite the controversy of empire at this time
How did Britain market the desire for British trade with the empire and imperial preference?
1926 - Empire marketing board set up following efforts of Leo American (secretary of state for colonies and dominions)
- this board promoted the consumption of items produced from the empire in Britain through posters and advertisements
When did the Empire marketing Board peak and become most active?
During the start of the Great Depression as international trade drastically declined and empire became vital to a stable British economy
What was surprisingly reminiscent of the 19th century British empire in the Empire Marketing Board’s imagery?
Often racist and chauvinist in its tone, appearing to place Britons at the top of the racial hierarchy and responsible for the economic and moral ‘improvement’ of the colonies.
- it almost seems as though Britain expects its colonies to be thankful for the ‘improvement’ it has dealt out to the colonies (questionable view)
How much did the British government contribute to the Wembley exhibition of 1924?
£2.2 million, clearly the government are extremely interested in promoting the British empire
Which other exhibition apart from the Wembley exhibition was seemingly a success in promoting empire?
1938 exhibition in Glasgow attracted 12 million and offered a chance to boost the Scottish economy after the depression
- the big figures put into all these exhibitions made them seem like an obvious success on he surface, but were they all that successful in their aim of promoting the empire?
When was the BBC made and how did it relate to imperialism?
1923 under first general director John Reith
- had a very pro-imperial stance and covered as many major imperial events, exhibitions and public celebrations as possible
Which imperial tradition did the British empire bring in from 1932?
Christmas broadcasts, including the King’s speech and other various imperial items
How important was the Empire in schools?
Teaching of Geography, History and Literature was all shaped around the idea of Empire e.g studying poetry and writings of pro-imperial writers such as Rudyard Kipling
How influential was Empire in universities in the inter-war period?
Historical study of empire became established:
. Professorships in Imperial history came about such as the Vere Harmsworth Chair at Cambridge (1932)
. Played a huge role in training colonial servants, seen in the role of London University’s school of Oriental and African Studies, founded in 1917
How did popular culture represent the empire in inter-war years?
. Children’s literature celebrated empire e.g G.A Henty’s books still popular
. Cinema became huge and often followed imperial themes
- films such as Sanders of the River (1935) used the empire as an exotic area to carry on the ideas of adventure and bravery which the Empire always seemed to promote
. Also in music (on another flaschard)
Which composer sustained the spirit of Empire?
1924 Empire exhibition, Elgar conducted mass choirs singing ‘land of hope and glory’
- Elgar died in 1934
Which composer didn’t really express pro-imperialism in his music?
Noel Coward - his song ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’, although containing imperial notes, self-mocked British ideas about themselves and the Empire
