British Imperialism: Innovation and Expansion 1688-1914 [Hardcover]

P. J. Cain (Author), A. G. Hopkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1993 | ISBN-10: 0582491754 | ISBN-13: 978-0582491755

This, together with the companion volume, Crisis and Deconstruction, 1914-1990, provides an ambitious, new and comprehensive interpretation of the forces behind British imperial expansion. The books explore the interaction of economic, social and political influences on the growth, and eventual end, of the Empire. Each volume can be used independently; together, they are a milestone in the history of imperialism, modern Britain and the British Empire itself, and make important contributions to comparative history, modern economic development and international relations. Highlights the role of the City of London and 'Gentlemanly Capitalism', a term established by the authors and widely used and referred to, in Britain's expansion abroad. Casts new light on many of the controversial episodes in the history of imperialism, such as the partition of Africa. Includes case studies covering not only the constitutional empire - Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India and Africa but also Britain's areas of informal influence in South America, the Ottoman Empire and China. It is aimed at specialists in the area of modern British history, European expansion/imperialism and international relations and the development of modern world economy. It should also be of interest to serious but non-specialist commentators.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'xxx; a magisterial account of 300 years of British history, properly putting Empire right at the centre of British commercial and political considerations xxx;' The Guardian 'An absorbing study of how commerce made Britain commercially dominant' Financial Times --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 504 pages
• Publisher: Longman Group United Kingdom (August 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0582491754
• ISBN-13: 978-0582491755
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,016,590 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another View of British Imperialism, June 19, 2000

By 

Anatole Browde (Saint Louis, Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: British Imperialism: Innovation and Expansion 1688-1914 (Paperback)

Cain and Hopkins advance a new theory of British imperialism that highlights the service sector of the late 19th century economy, i.e. banking, shipping and insurance. They point out correctly that a negative balance of payments due to dwindling British exports was more than neutralized by service income. Their characterization of the gentlemanly order, uncontaminated by trade and manufacturing is right on the mark and explains the decline of British manufacturing in the pre World War I period. I would argue however that this was only one facet of imperialism and was overshadowed by the British need to protect its routes to India and China market stature. Their coverage of the role of the colonies of settlement is however particularly good and make this a valuable book for anyone studying the pre-WWI scramble for Africa or British business history.