Colonialism and Empire
What's Inside
Introduction
“Colonialism and Empire” is a key theme in the history of humankind. Understood in broad terms, this theme refers to the historical subjugation and oppression of one population by another, both directly and indirectly. For thousands of years, rulers have established political dominance over other peoples and territories through conquest, coercion, and co-option. In turn, subjugated peoples have resisted and dismantled these systems of power. As a result, empires and anti-imperial struggles have had a profound impact on history, shaping the world we inhabit today, geographically, politically, and economically. The legacies of empire are all around us – from international borders to systems of government – and, for this reason, the theme of “Colonialism and Empire” is essential to understanding both past and present.
Many of BOA’s collections touch on the theme of “Colonialism and Empire”, in a wide range of geographical and historical contexts. For example, they chart the history of the transatlantic slave trade; they reveal the brutal reality of colonial rule in Africa, Asia, the Americas, Oceania, and Europe; and they document the course of independence movements across the globe. It is more important than ever that we critically engage with the history of “Colonialism and Empire” and, accordingly, the collections gathered under this theme are particularly significant.
