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Colonialism and Empire

What's Inside

61 Collections
485 Volumes
11,848 Documents
3,008,236 Pages

Introduction

The act of building empires, of one nation asserting control over other peoples and territories through conquest, coercion, and exploitation of resources, has irrefutably shaped the world we inhabit today: geographically, politically, and economically.

The primary source collections hosted by British Online Archives (BOA) are rich in documentation relating to the expansion, methods, and impact of colonial rule throughout a wide range of geographical and historical contexts. They are particularly valuable for the study of the British empire, which was at its largest in 1919. BOA’s extensive collections of British government reports reveal the reality of colonial rule in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. 

Numerous collections likewise highlight the exploitation and inhumanity of the transatlantic slave trade. Pivotal moments in British-Indian relations can also be explored, including the rise and dominance of the East India Company. 

Colonial rule meant more than political force: it endeavoured to “civilise” people, in line with European values and religious beliefs. This process is documented in BOA’s many collections relating to British missionary enterprises in various parts of the world. In turn, subjugated peoples have resisted and dismantled systems of imperial power. BOA’s collections document the course of rebellions, independence movements, and anti-imperial struggles across the globe.

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Licensed to access British Colonial Rule in the Cape of Good Hope and Basutoland, 1854–1910

19th Century Modern History Colonialism and Empire Africa
Contributor British Foreign & Commonwealth Office Contents 43 Volumes, 4202 Documents (91,459 Pages)

Licensed to access British Mercantile Trade Statistics, 1662–1809

17th Century 18th Century 19th Century Modern History Economics Europe Asia Colonialism and Empire Africa The Americas Slavery and Abolition
Contributor The National Archives (UK) Contents 4 Volumes, 146 Documents (47,662 Pages)

Licensed to access Censorship: Policy and Practice During the Second World War

20th Century Modern History International Relations War, Security, and Intelligence Europe Colonialism and Empire Media and Communications Germany United Kingdom
Contributor The National Archives Contents 1 Volumes, 96 Documents (17,397 Pages)

Licensed to access Illustrated War News, 1914–1918 & 1939

20th Century Modern History International Relations War, Security, and Intelligence Europe Colonialism and Empire Media and Communications Politics and Social Movements Science and Technology Culture and Society
Contributor Illustrated London News Contents 6 Volumes, 195 Documents (9,176 Pages)

Licensed to access World News in Indian Newspapers, 1782-1908

18th Century 19th Century 20th Century Modern History Europe Asia Colonialism and Empire Media and Communications
Contributor India Office Library Contents 3 Volumes, 106 Documents (111,913 Pages)

Licensed to access Paris Peace Conference and Beyond, 1919-1939

20th Century Modern History International Relations War, Security, and Intelligence Europe Colonialism and Empire The Americas
Contributor The National Archives (UK); The British Library Contents 9 Volumes, 113 Documents (52,343 Pages)

Licensed to access Apartheid Through the Eyes of South African Political Parties, 1948-1994

20th Century Modern History Colonialism and Empire Politics and Social Movements Culture and Society Africa
Contributor Institute for Commonwealth Studies, Senate House Contents 4 Volumes, 33 Documents (7,499 Pages)

Licensed to access Colonial Law in Africa, 1946-1966

20th Century Modern History Colonialism and Empire Africa
Contributor British Foreign & Commonwealth Office Contents 12 Volumes, 321 Documents (197,084 Pages)

Contextual Essays

View all Contextual Essays  

Guide to British Illustrated Periodicals, 1869–1970

British Online Archives
Published 3rd January, 2024 30 min read

The Sphere: Popular Imperialism as Entertainment for the Twentieth Century

Martin Conboy
Published 20th September, 2023 15 min read

Propaganda and the Mobilisation of Consent during the two World Wars

Catriona Pennell
Published 12th September, 2023 16 min read

Shaping the Jewel in the Crown: How the British East India Company lay the Foundations for Colonial Subjugation of India.

Sean Waite
Published 20th September, 2021 8 min read

Malawi Under Colonial Rule, in Government Reports, 1907-1967: An Introduction

Robin Palmer
Published 13th August, 2021 7 min read

A Brief Introduction: The Records of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts

Isobel Pridmore
Published 10th March, 2021 11 min read

European Settler Agriculture and Exploitation of Local Labour in Colonial Africa

Erik Green
Published 15th November, 2019 5 min read

Tracing the Origins and Consequences of Christian Missionary Activities in Africa

Felix Meier zu Selhausen
Published 5th November, 2019 4 min read
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