Photo courtesy of unsplash.com
In the UK’s current education system, it is not compulsory for schools to educate secondary students on the British Empire/British colonialism or the British involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The issue here is that many students will lack knowledge on the truth behind the British Empire and the damages of colonialism which are all valuable pieces of information to learn about. Colonialism is multifaceted so it is imperative to unpack the history of the British Empire, the damages and effects of it and how the impacts of colonialism are still seen today.
Why is teaching British colonialism so crucial for students?
The British Empire was the largest empire with so much of the world and the world’s population under British colonial rule and lasted over 400 years (Source). It is estimated that Britain controlled over 20% of the world at the height of the empire (Source), with well over 400 million people living under British control. The imprint of the British Empire endures, with its dissolution as recent as 1997, only 26 years ago, when Hong Kong reverted to Chinese sovereignty (Source). This pivotal event underscores the ongoing significance of British colonial history, as its lasting impact continues to shape the present.
Understanding colonialism and the effects of it helps students to understand current conflicts around the world due to the damages of colonialism, it aids students with knowledge on modern geopolitics, economic disparities, political tension and social dynamics. The British Empire is not a topic to skip past in history class, but it is rather a topic to inform students of the truth behind British history and tell both sides of the story. Discussing British colonialism might be challenging, but it’s crucial for understanding contemporary Britain. Take multiculturalism, for instance, much of it stems from Britain’s colonial past. While it’s not the sole reason, colonialism has significantly shaped the diversity we see in modern day Britain. Exploring colonialism in education prompts students to embrace a variety of viewpoints and experiences. It cultivates empathy towards marginalised communities and encourages tolerance by immersing students in the complexities of intercultural exchanges.
Challenging Eurocentric Perspectives
In delving into colonial history, students go on a journey that goes beyond conventional narratives and this challenges the dominance of Eurocentric perspectives that are seen widely across the UK. This journey allows students to grasp a more inclusive understanding of British history, with the acknowledgement of non-British contributions and the experience of non-Western peoples. It highlights the experiences of the non-Western world during the British Empire, which did devastate the lives of many who live in nations that were once under British colonial rule. For example, the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919 during which 10,000 men, women and children peacefully protested in Amritsar, British India. British authorities, under the command of Reginald Dyer (colonel of the British India Army), killed over 300 people and wounded over 1,000 (Source). The British Government has not yet issued a formal apology for this merciless killing and massacre. This side of history needs to be taught and brought to light in schools to give students an understanding of historical responsibility. It also enables them to recognise the impact of British colonialism on non-Western nations and promotes cultural awareness and understanding of the histories beyond their own.
Conclusion
It’s imperative to retell history in Britain’s classrooms and decolonise the education system in a way that tells the nuanced and truthful portrayal of British history. The UK needs to address and confront the dark side of their empire and educate students on how the empire is multifaceted, with both good and bad elements that all play a key role in the outcome of the empire and the everlasting effects of it and it allows students to be equipped with an understanding of the complexities of our ever-changing world.
If you are interested in learning more about decolonisation, with a focus on the UK education system, here are some helpful links to find out more:
Video: Dr Kojo Koram on teaching the “benefits” of empire in schools
Article: Samira Shackle British schools should teach migration and empire: Runnymede
This article provides a listing of books on colonialism and empire: Helen Klara ‘Why We Need To Learn About Colonialism’
This article was written by Hafsah Amir for The Diversity Trust whilst completing a student placement with us.