Revisionist history of the British Empire that is as devastating as it is convincing.
Review of Legacy of Violence: A HISTORY OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE By Caroline Elkins
The traditional narrative about the British Empire is that it was largely benevolent, bringing institutions, the rule of law, and even civilization to child-like black and brown peoples. “The White Man’s Burden.” There is a pompous solemnity to British imperialists in their self-satisfaction, much as Americans like to imagine their republic as a “city on the Hill” that will save the world. From archives recently discovered during a law suit of colonial torture and repression, Elkins exposes the underbelly of the Empire, from its corrupt origins to the systematic torture and repression that held it together for more than a century.
First, the ideological underpinnings. “Liberal imperialism”, an oxymoron, attempted to merge 19th century liberalism (all individuals equal before the law should be able to participate in economy and society, etc.) and the conquest of other peoples. It merges with racism, social Darwinism, British self-superiority, and eventually becomes the unifying glue of national identity under Queen Victoria. A whole industry of historical mythmaking emerged that survives to this day. It was paternalistic, condescending, and blatantly hypocritical, largely sophistry.
Second, the elite had to put a legal apparatus in place. While it had the appearance of the rule of law, it allowed “exceptions” – any “appropriate” kind of repression, torture or war – when circumstances required it, i.e. when colonial subjects did not do as they were told, rebelled, etc. Subjects did not enjoy protection or equality under the law, but found themselves trapped in the lower levels of a separate legal hierarchy.
Third, the Empire brought the full force of is modern state to bear on the conquest, both military technology and an administrative regime. This started in the hands of the East India Company, but was later taken over by the state. It grew to include the invention of the concentration camp (during the Boar War) and forced displacements of people, even entire ethnic groups, on an unprecedented scale, indeed it served as a model to the Soviet Regime.
Fourth, the Empire attempted to systematically loot and mobilize the resources of its territories. This ranged from minerals and remnants of civilizations (think Koh-i-Noor diamond) to cannon fodder in World War I. In spite of promises of equal rights and even liberation, Britain attempted to return to the original situation and conditions once the wars were won.
Many tried to reform the system, including a number of intellectuals and leaders from the ranks of the subjects. These included some remarkable people, such as Mohandas Gandhi and CLR James, who rose to the occasion and made their mark on history.
Elkins goes into great detail about the decline and dissolution of the Empire, which makes for fascinating reading and narratives. India, Kenya, South Africa, and Palestine regained their freedom to evolve in the way their peoples wished, indeed sometimes under democratic institutions and the rule of law. If not entirely negative as legacies, Elkins convincingly argues that the damages to societies on their own evolutionary paths were extensive and devastating, creating many of the problems we face today from the chaos in the middle east to the exploitive capitalism of developing states.
As the Imperialists exited, many administrators destroyed vast archives that documented the dark side of the Empire. Fortunately, Elkins gained access to a trove that was apparently overlooked, furnishing indisputable proof to her conclusions. While much of it was known informally, this is definitive proof that is crucially important to understanding the 20C.
If it is sometimes a slog to read, this history is essential to know. By no means a polemic, Elkins offers a consistently critical perspective irrefutably grounded in evidence, both documentary and in oral histories. One of the best history books I’ve read in years. An interesting contrast is the more conventional Empire by Niall Ferguson. My review:
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