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Battling the British empire

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Battling the British empire

David Veevers argues that the early years of Britain’s imperial project were characterised by resistance, violence and, often, failure

Ellie Cawthorne

Published: May 24, 2023 at 8:16 AM

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The history of the British empire has often been told as the story of an all-conquering spread of British values and influence across the globe. But, according to historian David Veevers’ new book The Great Defiance, in its early years the progress of the colonial project was much more halting – characterised by resistance, violence and, often, failure. Speaking to Ellie Cawthorne, David highlights places across the globe where local people put up fierce resistance to Britain’s imperial aims.

David Veevers is the author of The Great Defiance: How the World Took on the British Empire (Ebury, 2023)

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Ellie CawthorneHead of content (audio)

Ellie Cawthorne is head of content (audio) at HistoryExtra