End of Empires

1. South East Asia Semester 2, 2009 End of Empires

2. Starter • What is an empire? Write down in your own words a definition of empire. • In pairs compare your definitions • In groups of 3 or 4 come up with a group definition End of Empires

3. A large geographical area ruled by a central political power. For example, the Roman Empire, the Chinese Empire, the British Empire, or the Ottoman Empire. Usually, an empire includes rule over a variety of national and ethnic groups, and its political unity enhances economic development and trade. A military component that keeps subjected people under control is always a feature of an empire. End of Empires: Empires

4. Empire was considered a sign of superior culture, law, and military power Empires have been portrayed as inevitable exploitative and hegemonic (Marxist theory) In the 21 century neo-colonialism is the issue: neo-colonialism allowed formal, technical, political independence, but economic imperialism really controlled the world through London, New York, Tokyo or Beijing End of Empires: Empires

5. What are the benefits of an empire? Politically, an empire is the most centralized system of the state. Although a vast area ruled by a single state is the least democratic the benefits cannot be ignored The benefits of empire have included expansion of civilization and economic development End of Empires: Empires

6. What have the Romans/British done for us? End of Empires: Empires

7. What is colonialism? The subjugation of one people or nation for the economic or political benefit of a dominant state. Rationale as argued in the 18th century was concerned with economics, justice and natural law, race, political theory, religion, and slavery End of Empires: Colonialism

8. European colonialism was advanced by voyages of discovery, mercantilism, capitalism, and international competition among nations striving for economic wealth and world dominance. Europeans were by no means the only colonizers: it appears to be part of human nature and history End of Empires: Colonialism

9. Where there is colonialism there will always be nationalism. What is nationalism? An ideology that places the nation at the center of importance and emphasizes people subordinating their other interests (personal, economic, class, religious) to the "common good" of the nation. End of Empires: Nationalism

10. Patriotism is the premier social virtue in nationalism Aggressive nationalism like Nazism/fascism are destructive and discriminatory Passive nationalism like French Canada (Quebec), Ireland, Scotland and Wales strive to gain greater political autonomy, influence, or recognition End of Empires: Nationalism

11. What is the difference between empire and colonialism? What are two pros and cons of colonialism? How can nationalism be seen as a panacea for colonialism? For the poor is it better to be ruled by national leaders or foreign lords? Discuss in groups. End of Empires: Plenary