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Africa and the Victorians: The Official Mind of Imperialism

by Ronald Robinson, John Gallagher

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Imperialism in the eyes of the world is still Europe's original sin, even though the empires themselves have long since disappeared. Among the most egregious of imperial acts was Victorian Britain's seemingly random partition of Africa. In this classic work of history, a standard text for generations of students and historians now again available, the authors provide a unique account of the motives that went into the continent's partition. Distrusting mechanistic explanations in terms of show more economic growth or the European balance, the authors consider the intentions in the minds of the partitioners themselves. Decision by decision, the reasoning of Prime Ministers Gladstone, Salisbury and Rosebery, their advisors and opponents, is carefully analysed. The result is a history of 'imperialism in the making', not as it appeared to later commentators and historians, but as the empire-makers themselves experienced it from day to day. Featuring a new Foreword by Wm. Roger Louis, this new edition brings a classic work to a new generation and is essential reading for all students of nineteenth-century history. show less

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davrich 65 reviews

Greound breaking interpreteation of colonialism that contributed ot rise of subaltern studies.

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Ronald Robinson

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Important places: Africa; British Empire
Important events: Scramble for Africa

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Members: 150
Popularity: 215,581
Reviews: 1
Rating: (3.82)

Languages: English
Media: Paper, Ebook
ISBNs: 6
ASINs: 6

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Published: 1961
Genres: History, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction, Politics and Government
DDC/MDS: 325.341096
LCC: DT32 .R55

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Ronald Robinson

2 Works 148 Members

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3 Works 163 Members

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