The Legacy of the British Empire course takes an in-depth look at the largest empire in the history of the world. With more than a fourth of the world’s population under its influence, the British Empire shaped the course of Western civilization and impacted the lives of people across the globe. The course covers four centuries of British power, innovation, influence, and diminishment. It examines the Empire’s impact on language, literature, science, technology, politics, and economics. You will learn about the ideas of liberty, justice, and political stability brought to the New World by British colonists that influenced the foundation of the US Constitution and still inspire democracies worldwide.
You will also discover how the British Empire accelerated scientific knowledge through exploration, mapping, and colonization of remote areas of the world. As the first nation to undertake large-scale industrialization, Britain contributed to technological advances that revolutionized manufacturing, navigation, international communications, travel, and more.
The course also explores Britain’s moral choices, including ending its own slave trade and working toward the abolition of slavery worldwide. However, only seven decades after achieving its unprecedented global reach, the British Empire had virtually disappeared. The course examines the forces that propelled the Empire into being, the reasons for its decline, and the complex global legacy it left behind. This course is for anyone interested in world history, politics, economics, and culture. By the end of the course, you will have a fresh understanding of what made the British Empire both great in its achievements and vulnerable to its eventual downfall. You will gain insights into the impact of the Empire on your everyday life and the world around you.
What you’ll discover:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the British Empire’s legacy and its effects on the world today;
- Develop insights into global history, including politics, economics, and culture;
- Deepen your understanding of current events and their historical context.
Who should take this course:
- Anyone interested in world history and the impact of the British Empire;
- Students studying history, political science, or cultural studies;
- Professionals in fields related to international relations or global business.
