ANTI-IMPERIALISM

P. Gopal argument

Professor of postocolonial studies: says it was the rebellion of colonised ppl themselves which forced ppl in the metropole to question their assumptions about the empire —> not a gift from GB to the colonies

Anti-imperialists from the privileged classes

Thinkers and civil servants criticising the institution (cf George Orwell). In favour of reforming the Empire and of home rule (legislative autonomy). Most vocal = liberal anti-imperialists cf Richard Cobden —> for domestic financial reasons, empire too expensive.

Anti-imperialists from below

Chartists: publications expressing sympathy for the colonised, called for home rule. + Labour mvmt/TU in favour of internationalism (uniting ALL workers around the world)

WPA

Workmen’s Peace Association: founded in 1870, pacificists but not critical of colonialism

SDF

Social Democratic Federation: small socialist group founded in 1884 in favour of home rule for everyone, fiercer critics of the empire.

Boer War in South Africa

1899-1901: Brit troops vs Dutch/German/French peasants saying the land belonged to them —> no one supported Af independence. Fabian Society + The Clarion in favour of Brit troops // SDF and ILP in favour of the Boer

CRA

Congo Reform Association (founded 1904): most successful anti-imperialist campaign in GB, led by journalist E.D. Morel denouncing atrocities in Congo by Belgian King Leopold —> had to hand the colony over to the Belgian State. One of the worst humanitarian crises.

The Great Jamaican Slave Revolt

1831–32: also known as the Christmas Rebellion, was a major uprising of enslaved Africans in the British colony of Jamaica involving 60,000 slaves —> largest slave uprising in the British West Indies. Repressed very brutally by the governor in Jamaica.