Abstract This paper reviews and summarizes Linda Colley's "Briton Forging the Nation: 1707-1837". The paper describes Colley concerns in the book, amongst other things, about the overemphasis of historical study of British identity during 1707-1837. The author goes on to discuss Colley's examination of the history of the period and her psychohistorical interpretation of the self destruction and erosion of British patrician life. The paper explains why Colley thinks that the social upheaval in Britain at the time is necessary in order to generate a truer sense of British identity and values.
From the Paper "Britain went through a specific and intensive period of socio-cultural differentiation within society 1707-1837. Those concerned with the progression of British identity saw the island nation's identity being too dependent on commercial interests and perceived social revolutions of ideas that were encouraging debate and turmoil within society, instead of unity. While this initially might be considered healthy debate in the development of the Democratic society of free-flowing ideas, Colley expresses concerns that the original fundamental base of British identity was being convoluted, due to introduction to British society of too outside influences that where overemphasized."
Tags: socio-cultural differentiation, british identity
Abstract This paper points to effects that the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars had in shaping British national identity. It also shows the effect French culture had in dividing British culture, the differences in the monarchy and government between the two countries, and how these threats of French influence united the British people.
From the paper:
"Linda Colley's book is entitled 'Britons', yet her intellectual history of the era between 1707-1837 it contains a sizeable amount of information about the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. One of her book's central contentions is that it was England's relationship with and against France that enabled to England to fully define itself as a nation and for the concept of the British people as "Britons" to be developed. The French Revolution both threatened the "Briton"s? safety as a nation and its ideology. It was this threat and this challenge that enabled all of these new "Britons" to form a more cohesive sense as a people. Furthermore, the fear that the French Revolution sparked in the hearts of the British elites and the British government enabled the monarchy to be reformed without being overthrown."
Abstract This paper reviews Linda Colley's "Captives, Britain, Empire and the World 1600-1850", a book describing the lives of citizens living in Britain during the period of 1600 to 1850. According to the paper, Colley, a professor of History at Yale University, also includes those Britons living in captivity.
From the Paper "Colley describes life for traveling soldiers as "unpredictable" noting that while the landscape "impressed the English occupation" the landscape and interesting surroundings did nothing "to make the soldiers, officials and families feel any more at home" (Colley 23, Yee 1). Rather many of those immigrating to expansive new lands often felt out of place. Many were also however eager as the author points out for opportunity, for the opportunity for example to diversify their income and develop new estates in foreign lands including the Tangier (Colley 24). The lands that Britain expanded into offered what many believed were "limitless potential" (Colley 25). Those held captive however enjoyed none of the spoils of conquest (Colley 187). Colley notes that more than "20,000 British and Irish captives were held in North Africa between the beginning of the seventeenth century and mid-eighteenth century" (Colley, 188; Yee 1). "
Abstract This paper uses Linda Colley's book "Britons - Forging the Nation: 1707 - 1837" as the starting point for a discussion concerning how the French Revolution impacted the British. One additional source is used.
Abstract This paper examines how one of the distinctive features of Restoration comedy is the figure of the rake as romantic hero. The image of the rake-hero is of a witty, cynical, calculating, and self-serving man who pursues his own pleasure above all other considerations. It looks at the significance of the rake-hero as a symbol of social disorder by considering three plays, "The Careless Lovers" (1673) by Edward Ravenscroft, "The Man of Mode"? (1676) by George Etherege, and "Love's Last Shift" (1696) by Colley Cibber.
Outline
Introduction
The Rake and his Times
Careless in "The Careless Lovers"
Dorimant in ?"The Man of Mode"
Loveless in "Love's Last Shift"
Conclusions
From the Paper "The character of Dorimant can be regarded with a similar ambivalence as that of Careless. If he is intended to act as a warning against libertine behaviour and to fit into the character of the "penitent rake" he does not do so very successfully, for as Robert Hume has observed, he is ?too glamorous and successful ? Dorimant is undeniably glamorous ? he has wit, spirit, an amorous temper, charm for women? and he provokes "a combination of fascination and disapproval" (Hume (1976), 93, 95). His conduct is hardly estimable; he rids himself of one mistress, Mrs Loveit, by exploiting Bellinda, whom he seduces in the process, before apparently falling in love with the heiress Harriet Woodvil. It is perhaps only because he meets his effective match in Harriet that he can be viewed with indulgence. It is she who seemingly brings about his reformation."
Abstract This detailed paper covers the history of Britain from 1707 to 1837. Historical revisionist Linda Colley mixes historical fact with her interpretations of this time period and is able to come up with a coherent, albeit not too accurate, emphasis on this restrictive 130 year period in the long history of England, Briton and British nationalism.
Topics covered in this paper include:
Thesis Statement
England in 1707 and the Preceding Critical Years
British History Beginning with George I and ending with Queen Victoria - 1707-1837
Enter George II
The Reign of George III and the Regency
The Prince Regent's Reign
Conclusions
Bibliography
From the Paper "Scotland to the North and the Irish isles became the focal points of the conflicts along with the long standing warring with France across the Channel. The French in fact many times used the Irish isles as a jumping off point to initiate campaigns designed to conquer the unconquerable British Isles. These French and English wars were taking place long before Colley's period of study and lasted long after the period as well."
Abstract This paper uses the resources of Linda Colley's "Britons," a book about how such an identity came to be. It shows that the religion, British Protestantism, and its unique monarchy, as well as imperialistic dominance all played a part in creating a pride in being British.
From the paper:
"The United Kingdom today, along with France and Germany, is thought of as having one of the strongest senses of national identity of any country in the current European Community. Yet this was not always the case. How did a concept of "Englishness" or "Britishness" develop and solidify in the national consciousness? How did this small island nation of Scots, Welsh, and Anglo-Irish, and Anglos form a cohesive sense of themselves? Linda Colley's book 'Britons' attempts to answer this question."
