Niall Ferguson - Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World - The Mission 4/5

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

[Radhikaranjan]

@smoochym

yeah right. no one supports sati. it was a bad bad bad terrible practice.

what about the inquisition? read what mughal emperor akbar was doing in india when giordano bruno was being burnt alive. also, ferguson does not mention taht it was raja rammohan ray who fought against the practice of sati. he wants you to believ it was christian morality that stopped the practice of sati. he doesnlt want you to know about rammohan. that will not figure in his "grand narrative."

[ryko26]

very interesting documentary

[SirTerryColeman]

C. A. Bayly, “Rammohan Roy and the Advent of Constitutional Liberalism in India, 1800-30,” Modern Intellectual History, 4:1 (2007), pp.25-41.

[flowewritharoma]

individual particular thanks for posting

[buldhana]

@Thraikios Read his book: Raja Rammohun Roy and progressive movements in India -by JK Majumdar

you will get your answers!

[Thraikios]

@buldhana Great. I ask for scholarly material, you call me a moron and provide explain away your lack of proof.

[buldhana]

@Thraikios The clue is in the history you moron! The British didn't care about the religious practices it was more for trade!

[Thraikios]

@Radhikaranjan Could you please provide scholarly material on how this fellow Raja Rammohan Ray -- and not the British government -- stopped Sati?

[smoochym]

Not as stupid as burning widows alive.

[buldhana]

Fuckin stupid Brits trying to Christianise India ...HAHA they must have been out of their minds! Who needs that stupid religion :P