The Truth About Empire

This collection of essays offers a critical examination of the British Empire, emphasizing the importance of historical truth in contemporary debates.

In The Truth About Empire, a collection of sharp and authoritative essays, expert historians delve into the complex and often dark realities of the British Empire. These historians argue that understanding our past is crucial for democracy, especially as history is frequently manipulated by apologists, racists, and culture warriors. The authors emphasize that their extensive research and professional authority should be valued in contemporary discussions about Britain's imperial legacy.

The essays highlight how colonial history has become a battleground in today’s culture wars. The public's perception of historical events is often skewed by deliberate distortions and caricatures. As communities strive to bring to light the hidden atrocities of colonialism, they sometimes alienate those who prefer a more celebratory view of national history. This backlash, fueled by certain media factions, has resulted in a concerted effort to deny the realities of imperial racism and violence, paralleling disinformation campaigns seen in debates over Covid, Brexit, and climate change.

From Australia to Egypt, the essays in The Truth About Empire serve as both an accessible guide to the British Empire and a powerful defense of historical truth. The disturbing narratives presented reveal the intricate connections between Empire's culture, politics, and economics, underscoring the importance of professional research in determining what is known about Britain's colonial past.