The Anglo-American Establishment -- Carroll Quigley

Summary

The provided text excerpts from The Anglo-American Establishment by Carroll Quigley discuss a powerful group of individuals known as the Milner Group. This group, with origins in the late 19th century, has had significant influence on British politics and international affairs. The excerpts detail the group's history, ideology, and key members, including their roles in shaping policies related to the British Empire, the League of Nations, and World War II. Quigley argues that the Milner Group wielded significant influence through its control of institutions like All Souls College, The Times newspaper, and the Royal Institute of International Affairs. He emphasizes their commitment to British imperialism, their belief in the superiority of British values, and their secret efforts to shape world events behind the scenes.

listen to 18min AI bookreview PODCAST - The Anglo-American Establishment -- Carroll Quigley
https://archive.org/download/listen-to-18min-ai-bookreview-podcast-the-anglo-american-establishment-carroll-quigley/listen%20to%2018min%20AI%20bookreview%20PODCAST%20-%20The%20Anglo-American%20Establishment%20--%20Carroll%20Quigley.wav 

30 Key Points about the Milner Group from Quigley's The Anglo-American Establishment

Please note that these excerpts do not include the entirety of Quigley's work and represent only a portion of his arguments.

1.

The Milner Group, a secret society, significantly shaped British imperial and foreign policy for over fifty years.1 This group, active from the late 19th century, held considerable sway over British policy decisions.

2.

Cecil Rhodes, William T. Stead, and Reginald Baliol Brett formed the group in 1891.12 These influential figures aimed to expand and consolidate the British Empire.

3.

Alfred Milner, a close confidant of Rhodes, played a central role in the group's activities.3 Milner's influence extended to South Africa and beyond, impacting imperial policies.

4.

Arnold Toynbee's ideas, particularly about the British Empire's moral duty, influenced the group.4 This belief in the Empire's moral superiority shaped their worldview.

5.

The group believed in serving the state and engaging in social service, especially education.4 They saw their work as vital to the Empire's strength and unity.

6.

Members of the group held key positions in journalism, government, and academia.567 This network allowed them to influence public opinion and policy decisions.

7.

The group used propaganda and controlled publications like The Times to advance their agenda.8910 By shaping media narratives, they influenced public discourse.

8.

Cecil Rhodes offered financial support to William T. Stead's newspaper to further the group's aims.1112 They recognized the power of the press in advancing their goals.

9.

Lionel Curtis, a key member, played a significant role in promoting the idea of a "Commonwealth of Nations."1314 Curtis's vision sought to transform the Empire into a more integrated entity.

10.

The group worked towards the unification of South Africa, viewing it as crucial to imperial interests.9101516 They saw a unified South Africa as essential for the Empire's economic and strategic dominance.

11.

They used "Closer Union Societies" and publications like The State to promote South African unification.910 These efforts aimed to garner public support for their vision.

12.

The group organized "Round Table" discussion groups in various parts of the Empire to discuss imperial issues.17181920 These groups served as platforms to disseminate their ideology and influence policy.

13.

They produced numerous reports and publications, like The Problem of the Commonwealth, to advocate for their vision of a more unified Empire.1421 These publications aimed to shape public opinion and influence policymakers.

14.

The group's influence extended to the establishment of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (RIIA).22232425 The RIIA became a platform to advance their foreign policy agenda.

15.

The RIIA, through publications like The Round Table and the Survey of International Affairs, promoted the group's views on international relations.1726 These publications served as influential platforms for their foreign policy perspectives.

16.

The group played a role in shaping British policy regarding the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations.272829 They were critical of certain aspects of the treaty and advocated for a stronger League.

17.

They supported the concept of a mandate system for former German colonies but were dissatisfied with its implementation.303132 They saw mandates as a way to extend British influence while promoting development.

18.

The group favored a policy of appeasement towards Germany in the 1930s, believing it could prevent war.333435 This policy, based on their assessment of German grievances, proved controversial.

19.

They were critical of French actions in the Ruhr and advocated for a revision of German reparations.36373839 They believed harsh treatment of Germany would destabilize Europe.

20.

The Milner Group saw the Locarno Pacts as a step towards securing peace in Europe.3739 They viewed these agreements as a way to improve Franco-German relations.

21.

The group was divided over the Munich Agreement, with some supporting it and others expressing reservations.404142 This division reflected differing assessments of Hitler's ambitions.

22.

They advocated for "national service" in Britain, believing it was necessary to deter German aggression.4344 They saw a stronger military as essential for British security.

23.

The Milner Group promoted closer ties between English-speaking countries, particularly the United States.4445 They believed this "Oceanic bloc" was crucial for global stability.

24.

They were involved in discussions and initiatives related to Indian constitutional reform.46474849... Their involvement highlights their broad interest in imperial affairs.

25.

The group played a role in shaping the Government of India Act of 1919 and the later reforms of the 1930s.5256575859 They saw these reforms as necessary to maintain British influence in India.

26.

They were involved in discussions and negotiations regarding Palestine, particularly the idea of partition.60616263... Their influence extended to this complex and sensitive issue.

27.

The group supported the Peel Commission's recommendation to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states.61 They saw partition as the best solution to the escalating conflict.

28.

The Milner Group played a role in advocating for Irish Home Rule, believing it would strengthen the Empire.12676869... They saw a self-governing Ireland within the Empire as a preferable alternative to complete independence.

29.

The group utilized personal connections, often cultivated through institutions like All Souls College, Oxford, to advance their agenda.7273747576 These networks provided access to key decision-makers and facilitated their influence.

30.

Carroll Quigley, the author, states that he generally agreed with the goals and aims of the Milner Group.77 This statement offers insight into Quigley's perspective and potential biases in his writing.