Niall Ferguson - Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World - Why Britain? 1/5

[smallrossy]

any1 else proud to know we had the biggest empire in history?

[HerrOttoKranz]

Australia, Canada or the US themselves are perfect examples of no mixing between both parties, with natives confined in reservations till our days. In Central and South America there have been and there are presidents of pure native ancestry, something which seems rather unthinkable in the Anglosphere. Benito Juarez, a pure Indian, was president of Mexico already in the 19th century.

[TheLiberalKnight]

@HerrOttoKranz That is true, but the main reason why the South Americans rebelled against the Spanish was because the mainland Spaniards treated their colonists as little better than dirt. Consequently, they formed their own national identities. It took Canada and Australia a very long time to form national identities because they were not discriminated against in London, although snobbery was still there. Therefore Mexico feels more comfortable elected Indians than Canadians

[HerrOttoKranz]

@TheLiberalKnight Yes, the Bourbons prevented the criollos from having any self-rule at all and imposed trade monopolies; that created a lot of resentment against Madrid. Later on it would be those wealthy criollos like Bolivar who would lead the new republics to independence (against the Indians, who stayed loyal to the Crown, like in America with the British) and eventually ruin them, unable to achieve some sort of unity like the US did. But Spanish colonists were always few and far between.

[TheLiberalKnight]

@HerrOttoKranz It is strange, look back, at both the American revolt against Britain, and the Mexican/South American revolts agains Spain, that both of them were started not by the poor, but by the filthly rich colonists.

[davidrodgersNJ]

Why Britain? Limited government.

[creaturelovesyou]

@HerrOttoKranz What Ferguson was referring to was the manner in which the land came into European control. In Spain's case, the conquered or plundered as Niall put it. They made no attempt-on parr with Britain's in India to mesh with the existing civilizations.

England however, adopted Indian customs, married Indian women, traded with India before establishing forts or a massive domestic presence.

[HerrOttoKranz]

@creaturelovesyou Thanks for answering.

You are partly right. It's true that we destroyed both the Aztec and Inca civilizations (which themselves weren't much more than a fanatical bunch of cannibals and oppresors of many other peoples, something which is usually overlooked).

But it is a fact that after the "conquista" phase (aprox. 1492-1550) the Spanish meshed with the Central and South American natives, and passed legislation that protected them. Also, very few Spaniards moved to America.

[HerrOttoKranz]

@creaturelovesyou You only have to travel to any former Spanish overseas possession to check this out. And most of the people of European descent there are not the result of the imperial period, but of massive 19th and 20th century immigration; Argentina is a good example of this.

Spain never had "colonies" as such. The American territories were always considered integral part of the nation, not mere plantations, trade centres or gaols. Meanwhile the English approach was more trade-based.

[HerrOttoKranz]

@creaturelovesyou So yes, as your colonization was more informal, left to trading companies in the beginning of it, it meant more contact and cooperation with local authorities.

But such cooperation also existed in the Spanish Americas: native chieftains were respected and considered equivalent to our nobility, and in the Wars of Independence of the early 19th century the indians overwhelmingly sided with the Spanish crown.

Also, what is true for India may not be for the rest of your colonies.

[HerrOttoKranz]

"The Spanish Empire was based in plunder"????

Dear Niall, you were being credible until you said that. The pathetic Black Legend back in place.

The Spanish missions and plantations scattered all over the Americas surely don't mean much to you, just like the fact that Americans continue to do "rodeos" in which the use "lassos" as well as many other cattle techniques introduced by Spanish settlers.

The current US dollar is also a currency of Spanish origin.

[wickedwilluk]

@HerrOttoKranz

The Spanish did plunder. Look at what they did to Mexico...they pillaged, massacred and robbed....thus their ships were prime targets for trans-Atlantic pirates because they were stuffed to the rigging with bounty.

[HerrOttoKranz]

@wickedwilluk Yes, the Spanish did plunder in the early stages of conquest. But it is an overstatement -to say the least, because it feels more like outright manipulation- to affirm that the Spanish empire as a whole was based in plunder. That may be true of the Mongol empire, but not of ours.

[histrav]

You seem to be forgetting Virginia as as the first permanent English colony in the New World.

[eldeano1]

I'm reading this right now

[Reido2828]

@SamsSpaghetti

Yup the Constitutional Monarchs should unite and take up arms in brotherhood. Fuck Islam We'll wipe it out! 

[buldhana]

@SamsSpaghetti fuck off! u cunt! You can't achieve anything even by uniting ur puppet countries!

[MrSiiKAz]

we got lucky against the spanish (or you could just say normal british weather)

[derZyklusII]

as a convenience, here be all the episodes of the series so you don't have to go hunting for them youtube . com /playlist?list=PL41A8155E6CBDE­763

[luciferangelica]

ah captain morgan...intoxicating

[jed371]

@SamsSpaghetti a federal commonwealth would be interesting

[parrotcar]

Great series and Book, as are all Niall works. I would say dont let him be your only guide though. By the way, for those that want this series it is currently being seeded, check that site, it begins with P and end in Y.

[Noid111]

I like Fergusson. His programmes and books are interesting and entertaining. After finishing one of his books lasy year I sent his email address a quick line just to say how much I enjoyed his book and thought no e of it. A couple of days later a reply came back to say thanks. Anice touch.

[mikeypezza]

'i even spend my childhood in kenya' this just shows your posh silverspoon upbringing.few not the many

[iamnobodyism]

whats part 2 called?

[shussey100]

We knows what this evil white scum is about. His dream of living the high life on the back of the others. Will never happen again. We are ready to fight to destroy people like this. He is a joke like the country he comes from.

[SpartanElite095]

@shussey100 YEAH BRO EVIL WHITE SCUM BRO YEAAAH U SO COOL ON THE INTERNETS YEAH BRO!

[mukkablue]

Fantastic programme and a brilliant author.

[ulizinho]

Great author

[tallgermanjoey]

ahahaha niall ferguson is such unbelievable trash

[Zareste]

oh that's a good one. Thumbs down dumbass

[TheStonewall117]

Bah! The only reason why the British Empire was larger than the American one today is because they[the British] where not a bunch of pussies about imperialism. If they wanted something, they got. But for American...there always has to be a moral reason, such as fighting for democracy or something like that. Although, that is most likely because the U.S. is more democratic than Britain.

[Phead128]

@TheStonewall117

Yeah, Britain also decolonized faster than any other empire decolonized for that matter.

Britain was in and out like *snap*.

[TheStonewall117]

@Phead128 Thats only because, by that time, their economy was destroyed(as a result of the two wolrd wars) and also because their country was taken over by liberals. Therefore, they could not fund any military actions to keep their colonies, and even if they could, they would not because "imperialism is wrong".

[MrGilles1990]

@TheStonewall117 US more democratic than the UK? are you serious a two party state is more democratic than a multi-party democracy home to the mother of all parliaments?

[tooyjfwn]

ferguson is a smarmy seedy racist cunt which makes his historical and political opinions worthless. this crap should never have been aired on C4. more complaints should be made

[phr34kyy]

@tooyjfwn

Your from Tajikistan nobody gives a fuck what you and yours have to say, shitty nobody nation.....

[RedTyphoon1]

@tooyjfwn Free Speech Bitch.

[timray99]

the Anglo-Saxons ended their prayers...deliver us from the Norsemen....and He did...the Normans

[timray99]

and the Norman invasion gang

[memoemc2]

wow, it's a oversized judgment.

Greece, Rome, Spain, the Renaissance, the French Enlightenment, the British Empire and United States... ALL of them have made invaluable contributions to the current status. Taking one of them out is a lack of logic and common sense.

Well, nothing can be undone.

Let's think and work about the future... The Space: The last Frontier

[IndividualAutonomy]

@SamsSpaghetti

Well Anglos are the second largest European group after Germans (which are a similar group) in the US. We have almost as many Anglos in the US as in Britain itself. Though the entire West including the Anglosphere is experiencing a demographic crisis that needs to be resolved. South Africa has a few million Anglos but most of the Europeans are Dutch there and it is dominated by an African majority population.

[IndividualAutonomy]

@SamsSpaghetti

Ah who needs the Common Wealth! Long live the Anglosphere! 

[feyzu66]

hahaha an Englishman yearning for the empire to comeback. That’s a no brainer. Tell how great the empire was to the people you pillaged and subjugated... Ferguson is a shitty pseudo historian. Dirty bastard teaches selective history…

[IndividualAutonomy]

@SamsSpaghetti

ANd the US IRELAND AND SOUTH AFRICA!

[0oCIARAo]

@IndividualAutonomy no thanks

[panzercat1939]

England might as well be the 51st state.When the US says jump!England says alright,how high then,with an annoying cockney accent.

[mattyreynolds1990]

@panzercat1939 Yeah we sure were keen to go die in Nam with you weren't we?

[panzercat1939]

@mattyreynolds1990 I am annoyed that you assume I am an American,I am, but that is besides the point.No you just sent your little brother Australia to Nam in your place.

[mattyreynolds1990]

@panzercat1939 No its not besides the point the point is you are an arrogant American. I am annoyed by your arrogance. Australia has its own foreign policy if we did everything you said we clearly would of gone to Vietnam but no we didn't. We released the Lockerbie bomber without your (Permission) also lol. Eventually you will be left on your own with that total lack of respect for your best ally.

[panzercat1939]

@mattyreynolds1990 You are just a total ass! You released the Lockerbie bomber without our permission!?! Proud of that are you? And know your history,the UK asked the Aussies to fight in Nam because logistically it was impossible for the UK to send much help,it was not as though the UK was abstaining for moral reasons.Don't think so highly of yourself you little whelp!

[mattyreynolds1990]

@panzercat1939 Dont think of myself so highly??? Stfu kid you are the 1 saying the UK is the 51st state thinking you are all superior and shit. All I did is prove that theory wrong and you dont like it? All I am saying is that the UK has its own agenda its own interests it just so happens that many of our views are shared by the USA just dont be an arrogant knob please. Many of you Americans are so damn arrogant it just gives the down to earth polite Americans a bad name. Please dont be an ass.

[panzercat1939]

@mattyreynolds1990 Your right,I apologize,both our lands are pretty fucked up and my opening comment was an arrogant boast.The UK has a fine history of both good and ill as does the US.Hell,we're supposed to be allies.Again,apologizes.

[mattyreynolds1990]

@panzercat1939 No problem man I hope the US solves its problems and remains the dominant superpower or the world will be a lot worse. Just don't what ever you do let Palin get into power PLEASE

[MrGilles1990]

@mattyreynolds1990 Why must the Americans stay being "the dominant superpower" much rather it was the commonwealth than a clumsy nation of half-wits, well it could have been worse could have been the USSR.

[mattyreynolds1990]

@MrGilles1990 Well yeah obviously I would prefer that. Or the EU. But rather the US then Chinese was what I meant. Although it will be fun to annoy the yanks.... You aren't the best anymore :P

[MrGilles1990]

@mattyreynolds1990 The EU? my forefathers fought against 2 European empires trying to be a world power.

Once the United Kingdom gains independence from that anti-democratic wannabe empire the better.

[mattyreynolds1990]

@MrGilles1990 I would rather Britain be part of something important rather than keep pretending to still be a major power. I am a proud European and want the EU to success (not likely) and would prefer a Democratic Europe to be the major world power over the US, Russians and the Chinese. I do understand what you mean though

[gotsda]

@MrGilles1990 Argueably Pax Americana is over already, the USA rely on China for borrowing money and industry similarly to how Britain relied upon the US after the second world war.

Mabye not exactly the same yet but could be the begining of the end for the USA's reign.

[GamingLogics]

@panzercat1939 an american cant say shit about having a cocky accent, your just pissed that we raped you woman when we had our empire

[panzercat1939]

@GamingLogics First off it would be raped your woman(you created the language it least speak it properly),second off are you serious your empire?Mr Ferguson himself said what i said you are nothing more than our little bitch the UK of the US!

[DodgyIdeot]

@panzercat1939

I hate how americans think we are somekind of workhorse of theirs...

In todays world, our country is alot less powerfull than before, the alliance by US and UK is tactical in keeping world order. Its not that we like u, we just need to keep english speaking countries the dominating power of the world, if other countries like russia, india, china etc take the role we are all screwed. We did everything to help u win the cold war...

[GaiusIuliusTaberna]

How can anyone describe Niall as an apologist for empire when he opens up by explaining that the empire was founded by degenerate pirates?

[RandlesBear]

@GaiusIuliusTaberna because it is true, apologist doesn't mean you don't recognise the truth..He describes the pirates as organised crime and Morgan as a Gangster this is hardly proud language. Your argument is invalid.

[smoochym]

@RandlesBear apologist for rationality maybe.

[jorgelaniyan100]

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (King James Version)

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

[ValiantVendetta]

Unless you're talking about areas with written history prior to the arrival of the British, you're wrong. Australia had no history until the British arrived as the natives had no books, no written language, nothing to speak of aside from sticks.

[agentconman]

@davidhib07-quite clearly you haven't read the book in which does not completely ignore the 'exchange between the British and colonial subjects'.He makes his intentions quite clear in the first chapter that he could not possibly go into these histories of colonial countries,but he does talk about the relationship between British and colonial subject where possible.Your comments strike more of anti-western opportunism than academic debate,that's probably why you've made these comments on YouTube.

[smagch]

English language became world language when American took over world. During Pax Britannica, English is a mere one of language among the Great Powers.

I'm afraid, British English is sort of dialect, Scottish is out of question.

[ralliart2000]

@smagch FFS man, your comment is barely legible, you're hardly qualified to educate on matters of the English language.

[Shadowfang3000]

Somehow ths came up when I searched Metroid, and Niall's my real name D:

[burntheretic]

Niall Ferguson is a pillock.

[pagola]

fukc you europeans shits.....you used africa you colonial cunts

[FoxIceDaniels]

@pagola

you right before Europeans arrived Africa was a beacon of paradise, its good to see today now that those damn white men have gone its returned to its utopia.

[pagola]

@FoxIceDaniels i apologize for my curse words but when you talk of paradise...is it relative...we were in control of our own destiny man.......we didnt want the life you europeans brought to us............a man must be free to live thew way he wants whether it is a hut or a house....

[louiseobrien2065]

The globalization of the English language and democracy are the best contributions Great Britain made to the world.

[jozza5589]

i love u for uploading this...i read the book...great read

[MsUniverse4ever]

The Spanish empire extended all the way to the Philippines and the Carolinas in the Pacific until 1898.

[laageen]

I love this man´s work. My brother bought me his twin books on the house of Rothschild some years ago. Mr. Ferguson, I agree. In order to truly understand the world today, one has to look at history, economical evolution is the only way to understand great historical global occurrences!

[Gardhard]

excellent book

[maxpourcel]

paris the best city!!!

[davidhib07]

This is good if you want to know about Britain and Britons. Don't watch if you want to know about the Empire, because Fergusson, in his arrogance, completely ignores the interaction and point of exchange between the British and colonial subjects. Fergusson sugests that the areas featured have a landscape and a geography but no history other than that which white, Europeans 'made'

[Baledwyr]

@davidhib07 You...ignorant arseburger. Ferguson describes his work as a "Balance Sheet" he's not telling it Pro-Britain or Anti-Britain....he's weighing it all up...which people like you don't like doing...self hating westerners, the west is always wrong of course...Go watch an anime, ya wanker.

[DragonSporks]

@Baledwyr Of course he's not going to describe his work as anything other than balanced! But have you not noticed that there are some gaps in his explanations? Like where he said the India had no interest in or need for trade...then Britain and India began trading? The only things Britain which had to trade were incredibly cheap goods made by slave labour, which crushed the indian textiles market. Remember that nothing is ever truly "balanced," and the west DOES have A LOT to apologise for.

[TaqiyyaExposer]

@DragonSporks

I think you need to look into the history of India. They were slaves before Briton arrived and in so much greater turmoil under the Islamic Mughal empire.

And why does Turkey not even confess to the Armenian genocide?

Because FAGOTS like you keep insisting that respectable countries continually apologize for acts that were STANDARD at the time. Acts which UNDENIABLY helped the countries in the long run. Look at the condition of former African colonies, to uncolonized Africa.

[DragonSporks]

@TaqiyyaExposer You've misspelled 'faggot.' :)

[TaqiyyaExposer]

@Baledwyr

Don't you just grow so tired of these self hating bigots? I really want them ALL to die, i have officially had it, i see myself killing one of these pricks soon enough. I honestly can't stand these people anymore, they get so angry if anything isn't dedicated entirely to denigrating Europe or America. Why don't they just go to North Korea or Iran if they hate the West so much? I certainly would feel better to know that they were being ruthlessly laboured in NK's killing fields.

[Baledwyr]

@davidhib07 God spare me from self-hating westerners.

[bonfirejovi]

@davidhib07 When does he say that? Or where does he suggest that?

[TaqiyyaExposer]

@davidhib07

Well, explain what history is relevant to modern times within the commonwealth that isn't related to British culture. Are you insinuating that my country for example, Australia, owes its modern heritage to aboriginals? America to Indians? Indians to Muslims? You're an absolute DICKHEAD. Tell me, what ancient institutions are still in effect in India? With the obvious excuse of religion. Just shut your do goodign liberal mouth for FUCK'S sake.

[andyhwang2009]

All Chinese underestimate you British because of British drug cartel.

[MissHoov]

I am a high school teacher from the United States. I just wanted to thank you for posting this wonderful series on the growth of the British Empire. I greatly enjoyed Mr. Ferguson's book. Unfortunately, this series is not available on DVD in the states. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in the origins of the British Empire. Thank you again very much for posting this, and in such high quality!!

[cityflyguy]

Just to help anyone out, the correct order is: Episode 1= Why Britain?, E2= White Plague, E3= The Mission, E4= Heavens Breed, E5= Maxim Force, E6 Empire for Sale

[Sarenale]

Thanks so much!!

[cityflyguy]

And ofcourse they are encouraged to believe that they are right to do so by the liberal inteligencia. And no one dare take steps against it or offer an opinion to counter it. And if you do say anything of the sort then watch your career and social standing plummet as if you were guilty of some heinous crime.

[cityflyguy]

Tell a muslim youth of south asian birth/descent today that his great grandfather may well of fought very loyally for Britain in WW1 and he probably wouldnt believe you. Instead they turned to radical Islam, or atleast a militant Pakistani identity. Black kids turned to the militant black identity that emerged from the civil rights movement in the US. Mixed with violent carribean culture and violent hip hop, and gang and drug culture.

[cityflyguy]

These characteristics could of been built on by keeping the Empire in the curriculum and the political spectrum. Why not talk of the Sepoys, why not talk of the great benefits of the empire, and give a fair representation of the negative points. How many carribean or asian youths today (or even white for that matter) even know of the Empire? They dont even know why they came to Britain of all places or recognise their own cultural similarities.

[cityflyguy]

I think that this ridiculous out of sight out of mind, Empire was evil ideology by the liberal inteligencia that came to dominate the education and political spectrum following Britains decline is one of the main causes of Britains social problems. Just look at West Indian immigrants that came to Britain in the 50s/60s. The smart dressed cricket loving people that had so much British culture, or the Pakistani and Indian imigrants that in many ways acted more English than the English.

[cityflyguy]

The book is excellent. It is so detailed, gives such a great insight into the British Empire. Its also very good at pointing out both bad and good and allowing the reader to make his own conclusions. Its a crying shame that if you go through state education in Britain you will not here one thing about the empire, maybe a little about slavery at a push but no more than that.

[silentrocker666]

well these muslims and minorities you refer to are helpful. while many english consider them extremely annoying, disrespectful, generally hatable people who live off of our government... oh wait ive lost my point in my mind... well now its this... gordon brown pull your finger out and shift these fuckers off our land... while every1 will seemingly hate you ill say about 60% of people will love you eternally!

[324wilson]

@silentrocker666,

Now I, too, am concerned about mass migration but I do not agree with you. I think it very much depends what sorts of people are we bringing in our nation. I think Britain should have the best people, regardless of their colour and religion! They should speak English, respect rule of law (yes, I know Muslims who believe in such things), respect courts, in short, they should be loyal to our country and our institutions, such as the Monarchy! As for your "live off our gov't...

[324wilson]

........ continued ...

argument." Well, do not forget that they, too, pay taxes!

[jesuslicksgayarse]

go uSyd!

[owenline]

I love Ferguson's writings and takes on history. I feel sorry for England/Britain and its natives. They were at the pinnacle of human creation and exploration not so long ago and now look at them.... a sad, apologetic flinching people whose island will soon be islamified and/or a barbarians paradise with all sorts of creatures dwelling in the flotsam of history.

[maccyjames64]

you have obviously never been to britian

[owenline]

@maccyjames64 and you obviously don't realize the precipitous decline Britain has been going through since the Second World War. I think you seem to buy into the idea that Cool Brittania has always been as it is in the 21st century: Unsustainable social programs, multicultural, discriminatory to the (shrinking) native english population. Where once it was not thus but at least the decline has been relatively peaceful so far yes?

[maccyjames64]

discrimination? what the fuck are you talking about!? we are a well fair state, with higher employment than the US and a enough socialism to spread the wealth a bit. we live, in most places, undivided by race. what would you have us do? kick out the Asians and blacks? that would be a step 200 years backwards.

You call us a 'sad, apologetic flinching people.' you wouldn't survive a day in south manchester. visit somewhere before you judge it you ignorant, racist, cunt.

[owenline]

@maccyjames64 LOL! and by spread the wealth around a bit you mean tax the hard working to the point where the native English are leaving in droves. Undivided yes? Perhaps there would be less rioting in Northern England if there was more separation and realisation that the experiment has failed and that the reason for the higher than average crime rate in your beloved Manchester might be a result of some of the aforementioned changes. Your right on one thing- Manchester=violent shithole...

[owenline]

@maccyjames64 Also the question is not whether England is kind and benevolent to all its poor and destitute, but whether or not it is still relevant as a world power, a military/industrial power, or a power on the ascendant. You and I both know it is neither of these and I mention them not to gloat but to mourn the passing of a great people/nation. I  attribute this change at least partly to the disastrous domestic policies of your governments these past 40 years or so.

[maccyjames64]

spreading the wealth means that people born into poor families have a chance to make something of their lives. every country relies on its working class. for every architect there must be at least 20 builders. why treat these people badly? when unempolyement goes up souldn't people have something to fall back on to stop them and then their children from falling into poverty? social security leads to people taking the risk of creating small businesses.

[TheLiberalKnight]

@owenline Lol, Britain is in no immediate decline. Stark contrast to America, who are declining at such a rate that I doubt their ability to be a superpower in 10 years time. You are utterly bankrupt. I mean, come on, at least Britain can pay back its debts.

[ENGLANDforWC2010]

Are you a Fox News subscriber by any chance?

Don't feel sorry for us, we're doing fine. If you had a look at the recent population census for England, you'd see that the English still make up an overwhelming majority of over 85%. I'd be more worried with keeping an eye on your borders, it's seem even your own muslim population need keeping a check on after the recent events (Ft Hood).

[owenline]

Oh absolutely we should. But let's take another look at that census and you'll discover a few things. While you still might have a majority it is an aging population that is not reproducing, doesn't have the will to. You look to your minority populations and the maternity wards and you'll see a different story and with that in mind, look ahead a few generations, which is not that long, and you'll understand that England will no longer be yours, they know it and you should too, but you won't.

[owenline]

Also!..If you are already having that much trouble (race riots, imams preaching the destruction of their new home country, a press that overwhelmingly undermines any opposition to all this etc.) with the, as you say, small minority of muslims; then you will have much bigger problems down the road when they are 15%, 20%, 30% as is predicted. Think: Sharia law along side Common law, more and more representation politically, a push for Arabic in schools, business, the political process...

[owenline]

Oh the results are endless! I mean use your imagination. But I'm sure you don't mind it...yet. But if you do decide to have that one child in your late 30's then he/she will feel the effects of it and then his/her child(ren?) and it won't be inclusive let me tell you when they get majority representation in even a quarter of the political process (commons, lords etc.) Do you have the equivalent of Fox? Or is it just the impartial? BBC. But we're all in it together, I love England.

[davidrodgersNJ]

Why Britain?  Limited government.

[CHRIS1974100]

Is this Henry Morgan in any way related to the JP Morgan of the late 19 and earky 20th century

[Kelthuzad126]

yes lol still gangta's to.

[myMUMsmells]

@CHRIS1974100

by trade at least

[CHRIS1974100]

Its the british that still dominate the world thru their financial center located in City of London. Its in this small portion in London that controls todays global financial system of the world

[LongliveSnak2e]

lol...

you realize jews are in charge of the London banking system... and it has nothing to do ith the english?

go jews

[owenline]

@LongliveSnak2e yes and do you realize that the Jews would never be able to make the advancements they made without the tolerant atmosphere in England rare almost anywhere else. What a wonderfully Ethnocentric people though! I'm sure it was the Jews who were behind English common law, the unwritten Constitution, abolition of Slavery and parlimentary democracy as well Right?! But yes congrats, you are 2% of the population who has managed to control much of the financial world without reprisal.

[ENGLANDforWC2010]

Conspiracy nut!

[SaxonYear410]

I've just finished the book yesterday, the title is far longer than the one used in the series (Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the lessons for Global Power). And he also cites the series at the end of the book.

[overseachininadoll]

Hong Kong was the envy of the Chinese who can't go there in past. And still is. Hong Kong won't Hong Kong without the British rule, to be fair.

[cansaz]

Hong Kong was a largely unihabited island, w/ a deep bay.... it turned into a trading outpost as traders sort the protection of the british fleet

[moonphoenix1]

@overseachininadoll

OMG, you call urself Chinadoll. BArf, kiss Westerner's arse why don't cha. And yes, I am an overseas Chinese also, American to be specific.

[kkrenda]

well done. i still think hobsbawm's analysis of the 19th and 20th centuries is the best though.

[smoochym]

Hobsbawm the lifelong communist apologist, probably one of the most "debunked" historians known to man.

"Hobsbawm was asked by Michael Ignatieff in a BBC interview in 1994: What (your view) comes down to is saying that had the radiant tomorrow actually been created, the loss of 15, 20 million people might have been justified? He replied: Yes.

And you think this guy has rational take on world history? I pity you.

[smoochym]

"Fragile as the communist systems turned out to be, only a limited, even nominal, use of armed coercion was necessary to maintain them from 1957 until 1989.

He means the 27 Soviet divisions, 6,300 tanks and 400,000 troops sent into Czechoslovakia in 1968 to snuff out political reform. "

Let's not even mention his support for the Soviet invasion of Finland.

[ATE64]

FINALLY. I've been looking for this everywhere!

Lucky I have the book.

[Baledwyr]

It's like listening/viewing his book...thank you!

[sennis12]

Thank you so much for posting this. I have been looking for this on Youtube for months!