Echoes of Empire: Imperial remnants in a post-decolonisation world
The wave of decolonisation following World War II marked the apparent end of the British Empire, highlighted by significant milestones such as Harold Macmillan’s 1960 “Wind of Change” speech and the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China. These events symbolised key transitions, yet historians continue to debate the precise end of the British Empire. While some scholars identify these dates, and even the 1968 East of Suez military withdrawal, as definitive endpoints, these markers often overlook the persistence of imperial remnants.
This paper delves into the complexities of decolonising smaller territories, emphasising how metropolitan and peripheral concerns have all contributed to the ongoing ties between these territories and the metropole. Complicating traditional narratives of decolonisation reveals that it is not always linear or definitive but can operate inversely to maintain the imperial link. Using case studies, this paper argues that the same forces driving decolonisation, namely strategic interests, economic benefits, cultural kinship, and institutional inertia have also facilitated the retention of certain colonies resulting in a nuanced narrative at the end of empire. By situating smaller territories within the broader context of imperial history, this paper enhances the understanding of decolonisation, the retention of colonies, and their implications for Britain and global influence. Ultimately, the paper challenges the monolithic views of decolonisation, presenting it as a multifaceted process.
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This page was last updated on 14 March 2025
