Empireland

01Britain's got imperialism in its DNA

Imperialism isn't just a chapter in Britain's history book; it's the ink that's written the whole story. It's so deeply ingrained in every aspect of British life that it's become part of the nation's DNA. Let's start with the obvious - the physical reminders of Britain's imperial past. All over the country, you'll find statues and monuments dedicated to imperialists. Schools and buildings bear their names. These aren't just dusty relics of the past, they're active reminders of Britain's imperial history. Take Empire Day, for example. Started in 1916, it was a day to celebrate British imperialism. Sure, it's now called British Commonwealth Day, but the original spirit of the day, promoting colonialism, is still there. But the influence of imperialism runs much deeper than just statues and holidays. It's shaped everything from the language we speak to the food we eat. Ever said "I don't give a damn"? That phrase has its roots in British colonial India, where "dam" was a term for a worthless coin. It's a small example, but it shows how imperialism has left its mark on the English language. Imperialism has also left its fingerprints all over the British economy. Many of Britain's biggest companies have their roots in the empire. Take Shell, for example. It was started by Marcus Samuel, who originally imported seashells from the Far East. That business eventually grew into the oil giant we know today. And then there's Wembley Stadium, originally known as the Empire Stadium. It was built for the 1924 Empire Exhibition, a clear sign of the economic and cultural influence of the empire. Imperialism has even shaped social policies in Britain. The idea of free school meals, for example, came from the empire. Some historians argue that many of the social reforms that led to the welfare state were driven by a political desire to maintain imperialism and prevent unrest. And let's not forget about food. Many of Britain's favourite dishes have their origins in countries that were once part of the British empire. Even the royal family, often seen as the epitome of Britishness, has ties to the empire. Queen Victoria, for example, was known as the "Empress of India" and spoke German. So, you see, imperialism isn't just a part of Britain's history. It's a fundamental part of its identity. It's shaped the language, economy, social policies, food, and even the royal family. It's not just a thread in the fabric of Britain, it's a major part of the weave.