- Title: Empire: How Britain Made The Modern World
- Date: 30th January 2003
- Summary: In this programme we discover how a few thousand British people ruled over India, a country of more than 250 million people and the centre point of the whole British empire. Niall Ferguson demonstrates the vital role played by the Indian army both within India and beyond, and the role of British technology in developing the army and modern Indian cities. Modern-day footage of the hill station at Simla gives us a glimpse of colonial life in late 19th century India. From the early 19th century an elite class of well-educated Indians was encouraged, with men like JN Bose becoming successful lawyers and administrators. In fact, the British administrators were so few in number that it was essential to involve Indian people in their own government. Yet by the end of the 19th century the White Mutiny threatened to end this liberal attitude and ultimately led to a genuine Nationalist movement. Looking at the Caribbean in the same period, Niall explores the conditions for black people after the abolition of slavery and the treatment of respectable black religious leaders such as George William Gordon. PROGRAMME AIMS To focus on religion as a tension within the empire To show how India was administrated by British officials and the lifestyle they led To explore the changing attitudes to Indians being involved in government, administration and the law To appreciate the differences in attitude towards native people between those in central power in England and those based in the colonies To introduce the idea of Nationalism in India.
- Description:A landmark series on the British Empire,presented by Niall Ferguson.
- Broadcaster:Channel 4
- Collection: Channel 4
- Producer:Blakeway Productions Ltd.
- Programme Episode:Episode 4
- Transmission Date:30/01/2003
- Rights:Worldwide
- Decade: 2000s