Rebuilding the British Empire: From American Independence to World War II

This book tells how Britain rose again between 1784 and 1939 through successive reforms, development, and expansion, following its defeat in the American War of Independence and the collapse of the First Empire.

At home, Britain faced the growing wealth gap caused by population growth and the Industrial Revolution. Rather than being swayed by abstract ideals, it used Parliament as a mechanism for reform and a spirit of compromise to keep mounting social tensions from escalating into widespread violence.

As for its overseas empire, defeat in North America ushered British imperialism into a new phase. Instead of relying on rigid control, Britain emphasized shared values of liberty and the symbolism of the Crown, granting its colonies greater self-government. This approach would also be put to the test by the world wars.