The Crises of Empire: Decolonization and Europe's Imperial Nation States, 1918-1975

by Martin Thomas, Bob Moore, L.J. Butler

This examination of the forces that precipitated the twentieth century collapse of all Europe's late colonial empires includes the fate of the British, French, Dutch, Belgian and Portuguese colonial empires. Investigated individually and comparatively, it addresses an important historic topic and synthesizes conventional thought on imperialism and comparative decolonization. It also offers new perspectives in contemporary European history, international politics and the legacies of colonialism across the developing world. Ranging from the wave of European imperial expansion in the aftermath of World War I to the collapse of the last settler colonies in Africa during the 1960s and 1970s, the authors assess decolonization as a long-term process. They examine the impact of significant changes in the world in the twentieth century and shifting popular attitudes towards colonialism both within European imperial nation states and within the colonies. As the economics of empire shifted with a change in global markets, colonial urbanization and the growth of colonial organized labor, so to did the politics of empire. Also explored is the significant role of Africans and Asians as agents of colonial change, highlighting the parts played by anti-colonial movements, popular protest, and armed insurgency as catalysts of Europe's imperial collapse. The authors balance recent theories of post-colonial history and global history with traditional fields of diplomatic and economic history for a wide-ranging, comprehensive view of a complex area of study.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

472 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2008

About the author

Dr. Martin Thomas is a British historian and academic. He studied Modern History at Oxford University, graduating in 1985. He returned to Oxford for his graduate studies, earning his doctoral degree (D.Phil.) in 1991.

Professor Thomas began his academic career in 1992 at the University of the West of England (Bristol). In 2003 he accepted a post in the history department of the University of Exeter. He is also the director of the Centre for the Study of War, State and Society.

Professor Thomas is considered one of the leading academic specialists on French colonial history, colonial intelligence & security services, and the history of decolonisation.

Reviews

[Michael C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview on the imperial decolonization history of the British and French empires during the 20th century. I preferably enjoyed the sections written by the author of the history of the French imperial decolonization.