Empire 5. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
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Sep 6, 2022 Kim Wagner, a Professor specializing in global and imperial history, dives deep into the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He discusses the brutal realities of military conduct during colonial times and highlights the importance of confronting darker historical moments. Wagner contrasts how different nations address their atrocities, noting lessons from Germany. The conversation also navigates the complexities surrounding figures like Gandhi, offering insights into individual and collective trauma tied to this pivotal event.
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Delhi Massacre Orders
- A listener asked who ordered the Delhi massacre and how much the UK knew.
- William Dalrymple explains that General Archdale Wilson led the siege, ordering no male prisoners, reflecting common 19th-century warfare practices.
UK Response to 1857 Mutiny
- The UK public largely supported the harsh reprisals in India following the 1857 Mutiny.
- William Howard Russell, the first war correspondent, offered a more nuanced perspective, even interviewing the fallen emperor.
Uncovering Dark History
- Many are unaware of the darker aspects of British history, even those educated in the UK.
- Dalrymple argues historians must seek truth, regardless of whether it reflects positively or negatively on Britain's past.
