"WhatifAlthist" | World History, Philosophy, Culture

Was Colonialism Good or Bad?

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Mar 22, 2024

Colonialism is unpacked as a dual-edged sword, showcasing its role as both a perceived civilizing force and a source of moral controversy. The unique experiences of Ireland under British rule add layers to the typical colonial narrative. War is argued to be essential in shaping human civilization, challenging modern peaceful perspectives. The discussion reveals cultural misunderstandings and racial attitudes in colonial encounters, exposing the brutal realities faced by both sides. A nuanced exploration of colonial legacies invites listeners to rethink historical assessments.

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 4min

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Rethinking Colonial Narratives

04:20 • 6min

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The Necessity of War in Human Civilization

10:48 • 6min

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Colonial Complexities: A Nuanced History

16:47 • 18min

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The Complexities of Colonialism

34:57 • 6min

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Inglorious empire

What the British Did to India

Shashi Tharoor

In this book, Shashi Tharoor provides a detailed and incisive reassessment of British colonialism in India. He argues that Britain's rise was built on the plunder and exploitation of India, leading to significant economic and social decline in the country. Tharoor demolishes the myths of British imperialism as enlightened despotism, showing how every supposed imperial 'gift'—from railways to the rule of law—was designed to serve British interests. He highlights the destruction of India's textile industry, the entrenchment of institutionalized racism, and the massive human suffering caused by British rule, including millions of deaths from starvation. The book is a passionate and well-researched critique of colonialism and its lasting impact on India.

Inside Africa

John Gunther

Written in 1955, 'Inside Africa' is part of John Gunther's 'Inside' series. The book is not merely a travelogue but a detailed description of Africa's history, politics, and social conditions at the time. Gunther circumnavigated the entire continent, visiting 44 countries or political sub-divisions, and interviewed over 1,500 people, including prominent leaders such as Strijdom, Haile Selassie, Nasser, and Kenyatta. The book captures the era of decolonization, the Algerian Crisis, the Mau Mau Rebellion, and the rise of apartheid, providing a unique perspective on the continent's transition from colonial rule to independence.

The Barbarous Years

Bernard Bailyn

Rise, Fall, and Reclaim

Philippe Fabry

War in human civilization

David Hackett Fischer

Within living memory, tiny Britain dominated the globe—running India and controlling history's largest empire. Young people forget how recently Europe ruled the planet for 500 years. Our society has swung from celebrating colonialism as "The White Man's Burden" to condemning it as history's greatest evil. Both extremes are wrong. This balanced assessment examines whether colonialism's benefits ultimately outweighed its undeniable costs.

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LINKS:

Link to Philippe Fabry's New Book "Rise, Fall, Reclaim" https://amzn.to/3t9lcLr

Link to his English speaking YouTube Channel- / @philippefabry-eng

Bibliography:

The Rule of Empires by

War in Human Civilization by Azar Gat

War: What is it Good for Ian Morris

Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker

Inglorious Empire by Sashi Tharoor

War Before Civilization by Lawrence Keeley

Atrocities by Matthew White

Coming to Our Senses by Morris Berman

The Decline of the West by Oswald Spengler

The Isles by Norman Davies

Inside Africa by John Gunther

Inside Asia by John Gunther

The Barbarous Years by Bernard Bailyn

The Accidental Superpower by Peter Zeihan

Rise of the West by McNeil

The Pursuit of Power by McNeil

Roll, Jordan Roll by Eugene Genovese

War, Peace and War by Peter Turchin

Dominion by Tom Holland

5th Sun by Camilla Townsend

Colonial Empires by Fieldhouse

Millennium by Ian Mortimer

Albion's Seed by David Hackett Fischer

African Founders by David Hackett Fischer

Fairness and Freedom by David Hackett Fischer

Empires of the Atlantic World by Elliot

A History of Latin America by Hubert Herring

Africa by John Reader

Wars of Empire by Douglas Porch

Generations of Captivity by Berlin

History of the English Speaking Peoples by Winston Churchill

The Anarchy by William Dalrymple

Civilization by Niall Ferguson

India by John Keay

The Soul of India by Amaury de Riencourt

The Soul of China by Amaury de Riencourt

A History of the World by William McNeil

The General Crisis by Geoffrey Parker

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