ABSTRACT
The idea of a British world was a popular way of imagining the late-Victorian and Edwardian empire. Often considered to be a golden age of English sport, the Edwardian era was a time when team games were followed, enjoyed and supported by a widening public. Conceived as an historical community of English-speaking states centred upon Britain, this new imperial identity had both social and political dimensions. The concept of community was fundamental to this new imperial language. The Empire was partly conceived as an English-speaking cultural community, sharing a common language, literature, and religion. But it was also envisaged as a political community of laws, ideals and institutions. These developments in the international economy produced a mood of uncertainty and apprehension about Britain's destiny, a mood intensified by the problems of military recruiting and the poor performance of the British army during the South African War.
