The time of the British Empire
Was it overall good or bad for the world and the British subjects?
What say you?
What say you?
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I?m guessing like most things it depends on who you ask. 0 -
It varies by region, of course.
Those from the Indian sub-continent who died in the trenches in WWI and at Gallipoli would no doubt think being a British subject had its drawbacks. 60,000+ died during the conflict when they really did not have a dog in the fight. The Indian people, however, did fare much better during the Second World War than did populations that were not protected from the Japanese.
The British established order and structure in many regions where it was lacking prior to their involvement. Without looking at statistics one can probably safely assume that living conditions and life spans increased for the subject during the colonial era.
One must always consider of course whether the imposition of order and structure by an external power is best for the human condition.
My Irish ancestors would have thought not, just as did our founders and those that fought for the independence of these United States.
My personal feeling is that on balance, the British Empire was a net plus for humanity as a whole, though the benefit was not equally dispersed.0 -
not very warm and friendly masters 0 -
We can thank them for the grand daddy of the Declaration of Independence...the Magna Carta.....it led to the rules of constitutional law.......I must have been awake that day in history class.....oh....and fish and chips.....with malt vinegar..... 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
It varies by region, of course.
Those from the Indian sub-continent who died in the trenches in WWI and at Gallipoli would no doubt think being a British subject had its drawbacks. 60,000+ died during the conflict when they really did not have a dog in the fight. The Indian people, however, did fare much better during the Second World War than did populations that were not protected from the Japanese.
The British established order and structure in many regions where it was lacking prior to their involvement. Without looking at statistics one can probably safely assume that living conditions and life spans increased for the subject during the colonial era.
One must always consider of course whether the imposition of order and structure by an external power is best for the human condition.
My Irish ancestors would have thought not, just as did our founders and those that fought for the independence of these United States.
My personal feeling is that on balance, the British Empire was a net plus for humanity as a whole, though the benefit was not equally dispersed.
Not to mention that the Brits civilized the wogs, who only had 5000 years of culture before the Brits arrived.0 -
Depends on which country. Some are doing quite well, However:
Britain has been dying a slow death since they decided they no longer needed Churchill. DEMOCRATs are turning GB into an Islamic state. Most of the real industry has left and the remaing subjects are being taxed to death.
Aside from the colonial era, the DEMOCRATs in government have ignored the will of the people on Brexit. It has been 2 years now.
DEMOCRATs want to bring Brexit up for a vote AGAIN just to see if the people have changed their mind. Recon they will keep repeating the process until they get their way.0 -
I doubt that any nation which left the British Empire, either by force or by politics, has regreted their departure. As spasmcreek said, as colonial masters, the Brits were not exactly loved. They were far more interested in their own needs rather than nation building. Just look at Hong Kong: The little city-state enjoys far more freedom and is more democratic as a part of China than that it was while ruled by the British. In those days, a colonial governor with unlimited powers was appointed by the Crown without any local election or input at all. Now, a Chief Executive, chosen by an electoral college, which for better or worse is modeled after our own, has replaced the Colonial Governor.
The British Empire was doomed to failure for the same reason that the empire's of all "pint-sized" nations fail: Too much territory and not enough British people.0 -
I can only say it was good to be king any thing else not so much 0 -
Probably good for the world. Fewer moving parts, better structure, more efficient trade and commerce. So far as the indigenous, I suppose everyone deserves to be free. But I have a hard time reconciling current conditions as better than with Churchill's admonition that the lesser peoples of the world require some parenting. 0 -
I think it was. It certainly keeps good money in Al's pocket. 0 -
Our forefathers fought to break free of the British empire tyranny...
How do you think I feel about the British empire regime????
Anybody that values freedom will tell you that it was bad for the world...0 -
Yeah, that is how you got here.[}:)][:p]
RemingtonOaks, if that ain't an upper crust Brit name...[:D]0 -
Well, they did spread a language that I can understand.[:)] 0
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