
Published online:
24 September 2013
Published in print:
30 May 2013
Online ISBN:
9780191778193
Print ISBN:
9780199605415
Contents
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Relative power vis-à-vis indigenous societies and great power rivals Relative power vis-à-vis indigenous societies and great power rivals
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The law of unintended consequences The law of unintended consequences
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The actions of individuals, organizations, and governments The actions of individuals, organizations, and governments
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Maritime requirement, war, and strategy Maritime requirement, war, and strategy
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Trade and commerce Trade and commerce
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Religion Religion
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Settlement and migration Settlement and migration
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Cite
Jackson, Ashley, 'Engines of expansion', The British Empire: A Very Short Introduction, Very Short Introductions (Oxford , 2013; online edn, Oxford Academic, 24 Sept. 2013), https://doi.org/10.1093/actrade/9780199605415.003.0004, accessed 5 May 2025.
Abstract
‘Engines of Expansion’ explores the impulses that led people overseas and engage in activities that drove imperial expansion. These forces included migration, trade, strategic rivalry, and wars. The expansion and contraction of the British Empire reflected Britain's relative strength vis-à-vis its rival powers. Much of the expansion was as a result of unintended consequences and was not planned or necessarily strategic. But individuals, governments, and organisations all played a part in shaping the Empire. Settlement and migration often brought with it a version of British society and culture that was shaped by the culture into which it was transplanted.
Keywords:
trading companies, James Cook, East India Company, Rudyard Kipling, Levant Company, migration, Cecil Rhodes, Lord Rosebery, South Sea Company, trade, Edward Gibbon Wakefield
Subject
Colonialism and Imperialism
Early Modern History (1500 to 1700)
Modern History (1700 to 1945)
British History
Series
Very Short Introductions
Collection:
Very Short Introductions
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