World War 1&2 or colonial/British Empire history?

Question

When I was at school (about 10 years ago) the history curriculum focused primarily on WW1 and 2. I learnt virtually nothing about the colonial powers (Britain and others) and the bit of good and lot of bad that they did for countries around the world. I would argue that whilst WW1 and 2 were terrible and we shouldn't forget the dead who had to fight, it is much more relevant to talk about colonialism as it has far more impact on the world today - immigration, poverty, trade. I can't believe kids are not taught about this and suspect that we learn about the wars because we 'won' them whereas now the 'great' British Emprire is something of an embarassment.

Answer 1

You need to read up on your history.
All Empires did good and bad, the BE was no different.

Answer 2

In spite of what history says now the Commonwealth was just that, common wealth. We lifted a lot of countries into the modern world as it was then. Indeed Indias great railway system was built by the English, the rails still in use were actually made in my home town. We created wealth and work for the native population, we built towns and the infrastructure tha endures to this day. It can't have been too bad for them, when they attained indipendance they all folowed us back to the UK.
Sadly our children these days are more likely to be taught about Islam as UK history may offend them, you couldn't make it up.

Answer 3

I think you actually need to read about your Empire.It gave much of the world its legal system, its language, a professional civil service etc.

That many countries (including my own) decided to overthrow the Brit system was largely due to the fact that the Brit system was less corruptable than the new leaders of the ex-Empire countries wanted. Look at Nigeria. Once a by-word for good Govt, now a hot-bed of corruption.

Answer 4

Countries are really myopic in the histories they teach. I think the World Wars impacted the generations who were putting together the curricula at the time.

Answer 5

For 8 years in the 1970's i lived in Kenya ( East Africa ). Africans kept telling me, you Germans are good, we do wrong you hang us. The English are bad, we do wrong they drink Gin and Tonic and slaughter us. Terrible, as today, the world is like that again, the colonial power the US will do it again, drop the bomb and not give a damn.

Answer 6

Yes your right we dont really mention the colonist wars the world was developed through warfare and the truth is if the second world war had not happened we would not be going to the moon.
warfare advances civilisation 20 years in technology dont get me wrong i dont advocate war but it does make you think what advancements mankind has had through war.

Answer 7

sounds like you learnt alot since leaving school.

Answer 8

colonialism equates to imperialism