Niall Ferguson - Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World - The Mission 2/5

Historian and presenter Niall Ferguson takes us on a fascinating journey in both time and space to explore the impact of the British empire on the modern world. From the earliest British settlers in Virginia to the decline of the empire in the aftermath of the two World Wars, positive and negative aspects of the empire are illustrated through key events and players.

Niall Ferguson uses a wealth of original sources such as quotes, documents, film footage and photographs, as well as taking a contemporary look at key locations and drawing parallels with recent history, such as the USA's war against terrorism.

The series is highly entertaining, informative and thought-provoking, and provides an excellent and balanced overview of the British empire and its continuing legacy in the world.

Part three: The Mission

Following the religious revival that started in the late 18th century, missionaries began working in Africa and India in an attempt to bring Christianity and civilisation to societies perceived as heathens. We learn of David Livingstone's adventures in Africa as he attempted to link the three 'C's Christianity, commerce and civilisation. From his discovery of the Victoria Falls to his famous meeting with Henry Stanley, we follow the career of this fascinating character.

Presenter Niall Ferguson also travels to India and examines the changing attitudes towards Indian religions and culture during the 19th century. He also traces the Indian mutiny of 1857 and its brutal aftermath in which thousands were brutally killed.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• niall
• ferguson
• empire
• britain
• made
• modern
• world

[JohnnyH1982]

lol whats with all the Dr.Dre beats? Is Niall a fan?

[sitabanu]

What's the track? Did you hear the narrator say that David Livingstone kept his head in books for twelve hours a day and paid his way through medical school? One: How. Two: Is that possible today? Three: What is the inflation rate of medical school compared to then? These are the points of the video, not what is the track ....?

[fomiz]

@panzercat1939 chill

[TheBoostyboy]

Love this series but realised you could play a great drinking game every time Niall sits in a boat and has a native boy row it for him.

[parrotcar]

This is a great series and a great book, probably the best way to learn about the British Empire. Its a shame this isnt shown in schools as it would let kids know allot about their lives. I like the fact he uses Dr Dre beats in this, it feels abit like it was forced in there but its good how hes talking about slavery and Africans coming to Americas and then puts a Dre song in to symbolize modern black culture. Plus if kids were watching this they pay more attention because of that track.

[panzercat1939]

Seriously,who the hell cares that he uses Dr Dre beats.Why would that be your comment?"KEWL!!! he's using Dr Dre beats",stop being children.Learn something!

[buldhana]

@JohnnyH1982 Nah he is just playing that because he is talking about Africa!

[ryko26]

@sitabanu Hmmm, or, to put it another way, "why are you such a boring cunt?"

[sitabanu]

During the time of Livingstone (9 March 1813–1 May 1873) Afrikans were still being enslaved. They buyers Arabia, Turkey and Persia exporting Afrikans from both West and East Africa. The irony is he believed the trade had been extinguished by Britain.

[greypilgrim26]

got to say, there is a weird choice of songs in this episode...