ABSTRACT
One of the fundamental debates on the nature of Empire and especially the British Empire revolves around its expansion. Understanding the role of the British Empire during the War and the impact of conflicts that followed it are also important in understanding the consolidation of British imperialism. British imperialism largely met the needs of the peasant and labouring classes, allowing the colonised to express their imperial identity and loyalty, but both colonial authorities and elites presumed to speak for the lower classes, who were primarily interested in subsistence and improving their lives. The archive-driven account is given a human face through the individuals in the story. They were not only the imperial and colonial officials or the local elites, but also those from all walks of life, who touched and were touched by the war positively or negatively. The chapter also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.
