Tag: Colonial History
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‘Century of Humiliation’: The Opium Wars and the legacy of British imperialism in China
Edie Christian explores the historical impact of the Opium Wars and the role of the East India Company in shaping China’s vulnerabilities and attitudes towards the West. The legacy of British imperialism continues to influence China’s foreign relations, reflecting deep-rooted distrust towards colonial powers today.
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Repatriating the Benin Bronzes: The Controversy Behind the British Museum
The repatriation of the Benin Bronzes, looted by the British in 1897, is crucial for restoring cultural heritage to Nigeria. Flora Gilchrist engages with this process, and why it should involve recognising the colonial history of these artifacts and fostering diplomatic efforts between the British Museum and Nigerian authorities.
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Who Do We study? Reflections on UK Human Remain Collections
The ownership of human remains in museums and institutions is an extremely sensitive and contentious topic, with many communities calling for the return of the remains of their ancestors. Michaela Hamman explores current repatriation debates and the role of UK institutions in looting these remains.
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The Life and Legacy of Sara Baartman
Sara Baartman was exhibited in France and England in the early-nineteenth century. To this day, she remains one of the most famous human ethnological exhibits. Olivia Norbury sensitively recounts Baartman’s life and legacy.
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Breaking Boundaries: Carnival as a Site of Transgression in Trinidad and Jamaica
Olivia Norbury explores the deeper meaning of liberation behind Carnival in the oppressed communities of Trinidad and Jamaica, including breaking free from traditional gender boundaries and other social norms.
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The Trauma of Independence
American Independence was a humiliating blow to British national pride, evoking fear for the future of the British Empire and impacting British policy. Emilio Luppino explores American Independence from the British perspective.
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The Final Frontier? Legacies of Colonialism in Space Exploration
Space exploration has been a significant development of the last century. Ailsa Fraser explores the sustainability and environmental implications of space travel today, as well as linking it to histories of colonialism.
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Colonialist Legacies: Forced Virginity Testing of Indian and Pakistani Women in 1970s Britain
Many South Asian women migrating to Britain during the 1970s faced inhumane examinations based on racial prejudice. Sophie Whitehead examines Britain’s austere immigration policies during the 1970s and the colonial mentality which produced them.
Retrospect Journal 