With the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch that lasted for seven decades, many groups, especially minority groups, have taken this time to spread awareness and educate others on the history of the British Empire. Her death has gained a wide range of feelings regarding her legacy, life, and the role the British Empire has played throughout the world. The entire history of colonialism, which lasted well over 400 years, still remains prevalent to this day, and even once colonized nations or occupied nations are still suffering from previous imperial rule, forming a deep wound.

The British were once responsible for the displacement and killings of millions of people across the world, especially affecting those in Africa. This was where Africans were forced to work in colonial plantations, in hopes to grow their own economy considering Britain was in colonial competition with other European Nations. South Asia, the Caribbean–where sugarcane in the Caribbean was vital to the British commodity market, but was also a system that heavily relied on the slavery–the Middle East, and Pacific Islands. Additionally,  a survey even concludes that out of the world’s 195+ countries, Britain invaded all, but 22 of them.

Infact, when the British left former colonies they created a multitude of problems that still exist today, such as the conflicts in Kashmir, a limited territorial dispute primarily between India and Pakistan, and exceeding issues to do with climate change in multiple countries. Capitalism and colonialism, interestingly enough, pay a contribution to climate change immensely.  For example, the British colonists invaded Australia on January 26, 1788 and forced Aboriginal parents apart from their children, effectively displacing Indigenous people from their land, refraining them from practicing their land management practices. These land management practices included effective ways to practice controlled burning, all connecting to the 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia. Ways to deal with and combat climate change can happen effectively if the legacies of colonialism are acknowledged. Lastly,  these invasions were not peaceful, as they included bloodshed, castration, massacres, famine, enslavement, rapes, and much more endless tortures, all under the name of profit.

Questions might arise such as; what does former Queen Elizabeth have to do with the history of the British Empire? She alone cannot be entirely at fault for the atrocities committed, right? Well, there is a gray area of nuance in this subject field and can be complicated. Queen Elizabeth is seen as a symbol of both decolonization and colonization from many groups, especially since under her ruling she managed to help over 20 countries gain independence. Additionally, she was born into a world where the British Empire occupied endless countries, and where it was the world’s leading institution ever known. Decolonization was an interest the queen had to address through the Commonwealth. Many also question whether she knew of the crimes of the British Empire, and how could she not have known what the British Empire was doing in the first place? Some might feel that it is implausible to believe that a Queen with much knowledge on foreign affairs was completely unaware. There is no extant document of evidence to prove Queen Elizabeth directly was aware of the offenses being enacted, but it is also important to note that these crimes were all committed under her name, Her Majesty. 

Queen Elizabeth’s prime ministers repeatedly lied to Parliament and the media, continuously crafting cover ups and delusions. Moreover, as decolonization was approaching, documents and evidence to the offenses were ordered to be burnt, in an attempt to entirely erase Britain's past. Although we might never know what the Queen truly knew of the crimes committed, what can arguably be inferred is, like the public, she was told that any hint of violence was simply a one time thing; or colonial officials were to blame. The destruction of these public records were excused by the secretary of state for the colonies, stating they “might embarrass Her Majesty’s government”.

Reparations were attempted after a 2013 lawsuit was brought forth by torture victims in colonial Kenya. The British government agreed to give 20 million pounds in damages to those affected, then gave another payout to survivors in Cyprus. School curriculums in Britain are in the process of being shifted as well, schools becoming recommended to educate students on the British Empire’s past. Imperial statues are also being removed that glorify the empire.

Queen Elizabeth will be remembered as a Queen who worked tirelessly enough to serve her nation and people. Bringing a seven decade reign to an end, her death brings both mourning and a time of reflection for the world.

Helpful sources: 

Jasanoff, Maya. “Mourn the Queen, Not Her Empire.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 8 Sept. 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/08/opinion/queen-empire-decolonization.html. 

Elkins, Caroline, and Legacy of Violence: A History of the British Empire. “Queen Elizabeth II's Violent Imperial Reign.” Time, Time, 13 Sept. 2022, https://time.com/6212824/queen-elizabeth-iis-reign-violence-british-empire/. 

Kim, Juliana. “Not Everyone Mourns the Queen. for Many, She Can't Be Separated from Colonial Rule.” NPR, NPR, 12 Sept. 2022, https://www.npr.org/2022/09/12/1122238140/queen-elizabeth-ii-death-commonwealth-countries-colonial-history. 

Roy, Hrishik. “Capitalism, Colonialism, and Its Impact on the Climate.” The Daily Star, 9 Sept. 2022, https://www.thedailystar.net/shout/news/capitalism-colonialism-and-its-impact-the-climate-3040126.