The Empire and Popular Culture 1890 - 1914

Question 1

When was the Daily Mail created and what did it promote?

Answer 1

1896.
Promoted stories of spice and interest, exaggerated heroism of British Empire such as in the Second Boer War whereby it exaggeration the Boer brutality in contrast with the British.

Question 2

How popular was the pro-imperial Daily Mail?

Answer 2

By 1899, it was selling 500,000 copies a day. By 1902, this reached 1,000,000 a day.

Question 3

How popular was the Girls Own Paper?

Answer 3

250,000 readership between 1890 - 1914.

Question 4

How was imperialism promoted through music and what is a specific example of this?

Answer 4

Nationalist and imperialist theme found in music halls, concert halls and churches.

Edward Elgar’s music captured the glory and nobility of the Empire as seen in the Delhi Durbar of 1911 whereby the ‘Imperial March’ and ‘Crown of India’ was played.

Question 5

What are some examples of pro-imperial literature?

Answer 5

‘The White Man’s Burden’ (Rudyard Kipling 1899)
G A Henty, military-style books, ‘Dash for Khartoum’, tales of heroism

Question 6

What are examples of British celebrations aimed at promoting Empire (which were widely celebrating indicating British support).

Answer 6

Empire Day in 1902.
Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1897 heavily promoted Empire, 50,000 soldiers from Empire marched streets of London.

Question 7

How was Empire promoted within education? (give specifics)

Answer 7

Education Act of 1902 - provided secondary education extending literacy to the working class which therefore enabled imperialist indoctrination.

‘ABC for Baby Patriots’ 1899, reading books promoting Empire

Private schools (which produced type to work within Empire) set up their own Cadet Corp promoting imperialsm, practicing military drilling and imperialist loyalty.

Answer 7

Education Act of 1902 - provided secondary education extending literacy to the working class which therefore enabled imperialist indoctrination.

‘ABC for Baby Patriots’ 1899, reading books promoting Empire

Private schools (which produced type to work within Empire) set up their own Cadet Corp promoting imperialsm, practicing military drilling and imperialist loyalty.