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British imperialism
The mention of British imperialism conjures images of a brutal slave trade and obscene profits gained through the imposition of British rule. (…) But despite the indisputable causes for shame, the historian Niall Ferguson argues in his new book, Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World, that British imperialism had its virtues, and its shortcomings were outweighed by its benefits. It promoted the free movement of goods, capital and labour, he says, and introduced Western norms of law, order and governance, catapulting the world into the modern era.
So, was British imperialism a great historic achievement? Or did it leave nothing more than a crippling legacy that would haunt its former colonies to this day?
Debate:
The UK sowed the seeds for the communalism that hinders the progress of India. The Divide and Rule that the British so effectively implemented in the early 1940's has been one of the major reasons for the Hindu Muslim divide that exists in the sub continent. To give the country its due, they did definitely help the country by laying the foundation for its judicial system and railways and not to forget cricket but that hardly justifies the long term damage that their rule has caused. India's wounds from the British Raj are yet to heal.
Samyuktha, India
I visited Sri Lanka in November of last year and saw and learnt of the effects of British rule (as well as Dutch and Portuguese rule) over the centuries. The Tamil Tiger situation, I feel, directly stems from the British desire to bring in a huge workforce from southern India into the country to be used as cheap labour for the tea plantations, effectively evicting the local Sri Lankan people from the hill country and completely destroying vast areas. Both the Tamils and the Sri Lankans were badly treated in all this. Poverty is still a major problem in Sri Lanka. However, I have never met such warm welcoming and tolerant people who taught and showed me so much.
Debbie, England
The main drawback of British rule on India is we have to study that history for almost 3 years in school. It really is a pain to remember all the names of the governor generals and lords.
Kamal, India
BBC NEWS Talking Point: South Asian Debates
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