Colonial Legacies
Colonialism itself is the use of force over a community of people for the purpose of gaining land, resources, and occupation. In Victorian time, this meant overtaking a ‘weaker’ country. For Great Britain, colonies included Egypt, Uganda, Sudan, and India. The exertion of power to gain colonies was fueled by a surge in imperialism. The height of imperialism brought about an effort by Great Britain, along with many other European countries, to expand her power and sovereignty. By looking at the aspects that brought about the growth of colonialism, the legacies of colonialism can by analyzed and connected to the current day. The era of colonialism created increased interests in nationalism, and coincided with the age of imperialism brought about by Queen Victoria, which caused changes still surviving in London and England today.
One aspect of the Victorian era which aided the growth of colonialism was the increased interests in nationalism. This nationalism in Great Britain was fueled by the people’s love for their country. This is shown in the painting “Manning the Navy” from the National Maritime Museum.
In the painting, a man is being encouraged to join the Royal Navy and serve his country. A woman, probably his wife, is seen supporting him, which shows much about the culture of honor in this time. This shows women wanted men who were willing to serve Britain, and suggests the only way to be a man is to serve in the military. This cultivates a society in support of imperialism, which led to colonization. This painting shows the way imperialism led to colonization, and also alludes to the extreme nationalism felt in this time period. The excitement of joining the navy is palpable in the painting, and shares how enthusiastic the people were about their country.
This sense of pride and honor in serving one’s country is still felt today in Britain. For example, the task being a part of the Queen’s Guard and protecting the Queen is seen as a privilege by many. In other regards, British nationalism in such aspects as football or cricket still garners a great amount of patriotism. British nationalism has shifted from pride of imperialism to pride for one’s country through such things as sports. For example, when going to the Underground in Leicester Square one Saturday, I experienced chanting, singing, and clapping by a large mob of people going to watch a football game and cheer on their team at a local pub. This comradery shows the continued presence of nationalism in Britain that has spanned for centuries, but came to a forefront during the age of colonialism.
The age of colonialism came from a strong resurgence of imperialism throughout Europe. At the height of imperialism Queen Victoria was on the British throne with Albert as her Prince Consort. Victoria greatly added to the legacies of colonialism. She was named Empress of India, a title she bore with great pride. She always argued for the continuation of empire, and saw it her duty to obtain more glory for Britain. With this mindset, Victoria garnered national support for colonialism in a way that backed the government’s actions.
In many ways, the Victorian era positively impacted Britain today. Many aspects of England and specifically London are directly responsible to the Victorian era. This includes architecture (such as many of the furnishings inside castles we have visited), industrialism, and the Underground, which was first built in Victoria’s time. Albert and Victoria even sponsored the Great Exhibition inside the Crystal Palace. This showcased Britain’s industrial strength. Such aspects as these show the era of Victoria’s rule left lasting legacies worth remembering. However, many aspects of colonialism from the time shed a negative light on the country. The enslavement of a population to be used as a labor force shows the backwards thinking of people even in the 19th century. Colonialism was sold to the public through propaganda and the racist resentment Brits held for those of different ethnicities. In some ways this has continued in British culture with the current class system. Compared to America, there is still very much so a class system and hierarchy. However, Britain, and especially London, is more diverse today than ever before. Unfortunately though, as shown in the St. Paul Primary School, those living in poverty are immigrants from other countries. It is relieving that Victorian colonialism has been done away with, though there are still lasting effects from when it prospered.
Overall, colonialism was brought about in an era where nationalism and imperialism was the mindset of the government and of the people. Since that time, lasting legacies still determine the Britain and London we visit today. It is important to keep this in mind as we explore the culture of the city and take in all she has to offer, for if we must know the past to understand how it affects the present and possibly the future.
