A milestone in the understanding of British history and imperialism, this ground-breaking book radically reinterprets the course of modern economic development and the causes of overseas expansion during the past three centuries. Employing their concept of 'gentlemanly capitalism', the authors draw imperial and domestic British history together to show how the shape of the nation and its economy depended on international and imperial ties, and how these ties were undone to produce the post-colonial world of today. Containing a significantly expanded and updated Foreword and Afterword, this third edition assesses the development of the debate since the book’s original publication, discusses the imperial era in the context of the controversy over globalization, and shows how the study of the age of empires remains relevant to understanding the post-colonial world. Covering the full extent of the British empire from China to South America and taking a broad chronological view from the seventeenth century to post-imperial Britain today, British Imperialism: 1688–2015 is the perfect read for all students of imperial and global history.

Until now we have only had relatively narrow economic studies comparing investments in railways with investments in other fields of individual economies. 'Across the Borders' not only opens the door for fundamental new insights into a trans-national view of railway history, but also contributes to a breakthrough in the wider study of the subject, providing the first extensive historical investigation of the worldwide system of railway financing. This book provides a wide introduction to how financiers, governments and entrepreneurs in Europe managed to face the challenges of constructing and maintaining an integrated railway network, both in their own countries and their colonies. This volume offers analysis from a selection of experts exploring the trans-national investment policies of railway construction based on numerous historical case-studies. The chapters provide insight into the international opportunities that existed for railway financing, from the perspective of economic, social, transport and railway history. With contributions from authors from 19 countries the volume is a truly international work that will be of interest to academic researchers, museum staff, archivists, and anyone who has an interest in the history and development of railways.

Presents a new perspective on the Industrial Revolution providing far more than just an account of industrial change. Looks at the development of the economic structures and includes chapters on financing the revolution, technological change, markets and demand, transport and food. The final section looks at economic change and its impact and includes chapters on demography, the household, families, authority and regulation, and the built environment. Providing a complete summary of the various debates in the literature on this period, making a strong case for re-introducing a regional approach to the history of the age.

In 1850 the Industrial Revolution came to an end. In 1851 the Great Exhibition illustrated to the whole world the supremacy of industrial England. For the next twenty years Britain reigned supreme. From around 1870 Britain began to decline. Britain is now a second rate power with strong memories of its former supremacy. The above five sentences summarise a common view of the sequencing of Britain’s rise and relative fall, a stereotype that is challenged and modified in the essays of The Golden Age. By concentrating on central aspects of social and industrial change authors expose the underpinnings of supremacy, its unsung underside, its tarnished gold. Major themes cover industrial and technological change, social institutions and gender relations in a period during which industry and industrialism were equally celebrated and nurtured. Against this background it is difficult to argue for any sudden decline of energy, assets or institution, nor for any significant move from an industrial society to one in which a hearty manufacturing was replaced by commerce and land, sensibility and artifice.

This book examines the socio-economic factors in the rise and development of nationalism in the Tamil-speaking region of the Madras Presidency in India between 1858 and 1918. It analyses the dynamic interaction between socio-economic conditions and nationalism in Tamil Nadu by applying both historical methods of documentary analysis and a sociological perspective. The volume looks at the advent of Western education and the role of Christian missionaries, the growth of the local press, socio-religious reform movements, decline of indigenous industries and the land revenue policies of the colonial government to arrive at a comprehensive portrait of the rise of nationalism in the Madras Presidency. The volume is invaluable for scholars of colonial history and the Indian freedom movement in southern India.

Highlighting the importance of regional and national differences in industrial development, this book is a pioneering long term comparison of the two regions of Lancashire and Kansai.