How useful is this source to an historian studying the nature of imperialism in the early twentieth century?
COPYRIGHT:© Punch Limited
This source is very useful to an historian studying the nature of imperialism in the early twentieth century, due to its renowned publisher, and satirical representation of an event which made a show-case of the wealth and variety of Britain’s “great” Empire.
The source is a cartoon from “Punch;” a renowned British magazine which existed from 1841 to 2002. The magazine was known for the humorous and satirical critiques it made on events and situations of the time, and for its “wit and irreverence.” The fact that it managed to survive for so long is a sign of its durability, and of the interest taken in it. Its motivation can therefore be said to make fun of the Colonial Indian Exhibition, or at least to make fun of the self-glorification of the empire in that exhibition. While the view presented may be heightened to bring more satire to it, it can said to be a reliable because of the magazine’s lack of fear to present a blunt image of what is going on, without the warping effect of an overly patriotic pride.
The cartoon depicts a figure in a chariot who is reminiscent of a Roman goddess of some kind, who is most likely representing the might of the British Empire. The chariot is surrounded by exotic people and objects from the various colonies which belonged to the British Empire, including indigenous people of Africa and India, various animals, and men who look like Australian drovers. All of these surround the central figure, looking up at her with smiles as they offer the produce of their colonies. The woman has her arms lifted as if to say, “Look at the wonder of my empire!” The caption beneath confirms this attitude, “HAIL, BRITANNIA! (Opening Of The Colonial Exhibition, May 4.” The exhibition depicted took place in 1886, and lasted for over six months. It was apparently mean to be an “imperial object lesson” in England’s power and grandeur, as things and people from the colonies were brought together in one place. It was also symbolically lessening the distance between Britain and her colonies, which is portrayed visually in the source by the close distance between Britannia and all her exotic peoples. This view portrayed by the source is confirmed by other sources, and the reputation of the publisher makes it quite reliable.
Therefore, this is an extremely useful source for an historian studying imperialism in the early twentieth century. It is relevant as a visual representation of an event which encapsulated the attitude of the British Empire, in their desire to show off their power and wide influence. It is a useful slice of insight into British imperialism, with this particular event portraying a very imperialistic attitude. It was an event which showed how wide Britain’s influence over other countries was. Punch Magazine offers a mildly satirical perspective of Britain’s self-glorification which is also a helpful element to bring to a study of imperialism. The satire makes it a very valuable source for an historian due to the honesty and fresh approach given to a view of imperialism. In the overly optimistic appearance of the image, Punch is really mocking such a self-centered and imperialistic attitude. It also portrays all of the colonies bringing an offering of their produce to the empire – which sums up a large aspect of imperialism in that Britain gained much from having colonies which are subservient to it.