The British Empire and Popular Culture Flashcards
How did the development of exhibitions increase support for the Empire?
In 1851, a Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park, designed to flaunt Britain’s industrial and commercial dominance. By the 1880s a number of specifically imperial exhibitions began to be staged, some historians saw this as symbolic of Britain’s dependence for the Empire. Exhibitions increased popularity for the Empire.
How did school text books construct national identity and increase support for the Empire?
Throughout the 19th century, school textbooks became more and more focused on imperial adventure and emphasis on the ‘Anglo-Saxon’ racial origins of English children. It was increasingly believed only a race such as the English could have developed an ideal political system. Outsiders such as ‘blacks’ were excluded, and women and the working-class were not able to share an identity of Britishness. Children were taught they mustn’t ‘let the race down’.
How did literacy boost support for the Empire and spread pro-imperialist ideas?
As more individuals became literate, ideas about the Empire were increasingly circulated through the written word. Newspapers were also a widely available source of information on imperial developments. Young people were often the keenest readers of Empire-related texts. Theses stories reinforced the message that Britain had heroic origins and required valiant characters to carry on defending Britain and the Empire.
How did Empire Day and Youth Organisations boost pro-imperialist ideas?
From 1902, school students began to celebrate Empire Day (24th May), children saluted the Union Jack, sung patriotic songs and listened to pro-imperial speeches and stories. Most young people (though not all) responded positively to various youth groups that were implicitly connected to Empire. The Boy Scouts (1907), was formed by Robert Baden-Powell, an imperial hero.
How did societies get adults on board with the Empire?
Adults also joined societies and groups linked to the Empire. Christian organisations were set up due to inspiration by Christian heroes such as Livingstone.
Geographical societies gave lectures and offered prizes for exploration. Most societies declined in popularity during the years prior to WW1, and were then disbanded.
What did paintings and photographs depict?
Imperial scenes and the introduction of photography in the late 19th century gave people in Britain the chance to view real-life images of the Empire.
Some of these pictures were circulated widely through the newspaper press, magazines, postcards, cigarette cards and advertising.
How did plays and music halls increase popularity for the Empire?
Stories about Empire remained a popular choice for theatrical productions. In London, plays were shown that involved British imperial conflicts. Meanwhile, from c.1870, entertainment at Music Halls, in which patriotic songs were sung. Recent research has shown such entertainment was popular in working-class and wealthier areas alike.
