Did Britain Gain Anything from its African Colonies?

The Debate: Vast Bills and Fortunes

The question of whether Britain gained anything from its African colonies is complex and multifaceted. While the costs of colonization were significant, the benefits were often limited to a handful of individuals, and not necessarily the British exchequer itself. The currency of wealth often found its way into the pockets of a few rather than the collective benefit of the empire. The phrase, 'vast bills not recompensed by any advantages at all,' captures the essence of how colonization was often a costly endeavor with little return for the majority.

The sentiment expressed in the question 'Whyvrdo you think we let the empire return to the dark ages' reflects a sense of loss and dissatisfaction with the dismantling of the empire. This question invites a broader discussion on the consequences of decolonization and whether or not the empire's decline was a necessary or avoidable event.

The Dual Impact of Colonial Rule

It's important to consider the dual nature of colonialism. For the elites in the empire, there was indeed fabulous wealth and bragging rights. Just as 'like all empires, fabulous wealth for the upper echelons of society and bragging rights for the poor of the nation ruling the empire,' this reflects how colonial powers often provided a sense of prestige and power.

However, the narrative of civilizing the 'dark continent' is often misguided and paternalistic. The statement, 'Quite probably the opposite: we civilised them,' highlights the flawed assumptions of colonialists who believed they were improving the lives of colonized peoples. The fact that 19 out of the 54 members of the Commonwealth of Nations are African, and that Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) joined voluntarily, suggest that for some, the benefits of association with Britain might have seemed worth the potential costs of colonialism.

The Colonial Empire and its Indoctrination

The spread of the English language, culture, and customs was one of the supposed positive outcomes of colonialism. This indoctrination was designed to create a sense of international domination and regime stability. By spreading their influence, colonizers aimed to create a lasting impact on the world stage. However, it's also important to recognize the arrogance involved in such a mission, and whether these developments were truly beneficial to the colonized peoples.

From a historical and economic perspective, the article from the National Archives provides insight into how colonialism worked. The British, being traders, established trade outposts or factories which eventually became the centers of governance. The establishment of these outposts paved the way for larger political entities, and these establishments were often seen as beneficial to the local populations due to the trading opportunities they brought.

Therefore, the positive aspects of British colonization include the spread of trade, as the Industrial Revolution made Britain into a manufacturing powerhouse. This also led to the spread of certain advantages to the colonized regions, including economic and trade benefits. However, it's crucial to note that the primary beneficiaries were often the nation's traders and manufacturers, rather than the British people as a whole.

The irony is that the same dynamic can be seen in modern-day India and its relationship with the UK today. While my maternal grandfather was economically impacted by the financial collapse of the Lancashire cotton industry due to cheaper competition from India, my children have diversified and found success in different economic sectors. Thus, the British people as a whole gained more from the spread of trade and industry than direct monetary benefits from the colonies.

Conclusion and Reflections

The legacy of British colonialism in Africa is a subject of ongoing debate. While the benefits may have been significant for a few, the broader impact on the region is complex and often overshadowed by the negative consequences of colonization. It's crucial to reflect on the historical context and the lasting impacts of colonialism, both positive and negative, to fully understand the evolution of the African continent and its relationship with the world.