All articles tagged with #british empire
Alan Allport's 'Advance Britannia' critically examines Britain's role in WWII, challenging myths of British resilience and highlighting the empire's exploitation and decline, influenced by American dominance and colonial neglect.
Britons including Hollywood stars Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo, as well as a 102-year-old judo instructor, were honored in King Charles III’s New Year’s honors list for their contributions to public life, arts, and community service, with awards ranging from knighthoods to MBEs.
King Charles III acknowledged the "wrongdoings of the past" committed by the British Empire during its rule over Kenya, expressing deep regret for the "abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence" against Kenyans during their struggle for independence. In his first visit to a Commonwealth nation since becoming king, Charles emphasized the importance of addressing history with honesty and openness, aiming to deepen his understanding of these wrongs and meet those affected. While acknowledging that the past cannot be changed, he hopes to strengthen the friendship between the UK and Kenya and build a closer bond for the future. The colonial past in Kenya involved the displacement of Black leaders, land seizures, and brutal suppression of the Mau Mau Rebellion, which continues to impact UK-Kenya relations.
Newly uncovered confidential government communications reveal that officials did not want Caribbean migrants to come to Britain, even before the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush in 1948. The documents show that the government was creating programmes to recruit workers from abroad, particularly from Europe and, in some cases, the colonies, while simultaneously discouraging British subjects in the Caribbean from filling those gaps. The Windrush has taken on mythic proportions, with its name acting as a shorthand means of referring to all Caribbean migrants who came to Britain between 1948 and 1971.
The bedchamber sword of Tipu Sultan, an 18th-century king famous for his role in wars in southern India, has sold for $17.4 million at auction in London, breaking the record for an Indian and Islamic object sold at auction. Tipu ruled the kingdom of Mysore in southern India between 1782 and 1799, earning the title “Tiger of Mysore” for the ferocity with which he defended his realm. The sword, found in the private quarters of his palace after he was killed by British forces in 1799, was presented to British Major General David Baird as a token of his courage.
The Kohinoor diamond, a controversial symbol of Britain's colonial conquests, will not be on display at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The diamond was taken from India during the colonial era and calls for its return have grown louder since the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The British have yet to return the diamond or other plundered artifacts, sparking debates about the country's unapologetic holdouts and its legacy of colonialism.
The Koh-i-Noor diamond, which has been claimed by four countries and once adorned the crowns of Britain’s queens, will not be in the crown of Queen Camilla at the coronation due to its controversial history. The jewel was taken by British forces from India and has become a symbol of the empire’s rule over the country. India and Indians have been increasingly vocal about getting the jewel returned, leading to the decision not to include it in the crown.
The upcoming coronation of King Charles III highlights the legacy of the British Empire, which includes centuries of exclusion, racism, and plundering of land, resources, and human beings on nearly every continent. While the monarchy is seeking to modernize with the changing religious contours of British society, the legacy of British imperialism remains unhealed. The members of the royal family have stopped short of offering a formal apology or support for any sort of reparations. The marriage of church and state that a British coronation represents should be viewed with caution, and efforts should be made to ensure that the church in the U.S. retains its independence and prophetic witness.
As King Charles prepares for his coronation, experts are calling for the British monarchy to face up to its ties to colonialism and anti-LGBTQ+ laws around the world. The British Empire is responsible for many of the laws criminalising same-sex sexual activity globally, and many believe the monarchy is intrinsically tied to that harm. As a result, some are calling for the abolition of the monarchy entirely. However, King Charles has failed to acknowledge LGBTQ+ rights across the Commonwealth, and there has been no sign that the monarchy plans to face up to this history.
As the UK prepares to crown King Charles III, people are recalling Queen Elizabeth II's coronation 70 years ago, which was the last time the British public witnessed the ritual. Memories of the event include the excitement and buzz in London, preparations for the service, and celebrations in the British Empire. People from the Caribbean, who were once proud to be British, were caught up in a government crackdown on immigration, but still plan to watch the coronation. The event was a historic moment that many people will never forget.
Laura Trevelyan, a BBC anchor, and David Lascelles, a second cousin of King Charles III, have co-founded a group called Heirs of Slavery, which encourages wealthy British families who profited from past enslavement to make formal apologies and seek reparative justice in the former Caribbean colonies. The group is also calling on the British government to engage with CARICOM, the Caribbean governments reparations commission, which asks the former colonial powers for debt relief and for investment in health and education.
David Grann's latest book, "The Wager," explores the mysteries of an 18th-century shipwreck off Cape Horn, which led to a real-life "Lord of the Flies" scenario with warring factions, mutinies, and even cannibalism. The book also delves into the court martial that followed, where the castaways had to "wage a war over the truth." Grann sees the story as a parable for our own turbulent modern times, with themes of information and disinformation, allegations of fake news, and efforts by those in power to cover up scandalous truths.