Global transformation: the emergence of western maritime empires, 1415-1898

Aims

This course aims to: 

• deliver a stimulating and enjoyable series of talks and discussions both for those with a general or specific interest in the subject and for students in higher or further education
   
• provide both a broad and a long context to enable you to further develop your knowledge and critical analysis of a complex and often contested set of issues
   
• encourage you to contribute at whatever level you wish

Content

Very few in the early 15th century would have predicted that a small, peripheral nation at the western extremity of Europe would break out from its geopolitical and cultural isolation to forge within half a century the first truly maritime empire. It would also have seemed highly improbable that Portugal would soon be followed overseas by Spain, the Netherlands, France and Britain, or that these countries would in due course leave virtually no part of the world untouched or unchanged. 

This course examines the internal transformations and catalysts that enabled these nations to explore, fight and so often conquer and dominate across so much of the world. What motivated them; how did they grow the required capability; what was the nature of their impact on societies and peoples everywhere (including on themselves); and how did each of them approach the concept of ‘imperialism’? Finally, the big questions have to be asked: if their impact was indeed so transformational, why did they suddenly collapse in a relatively short period of time; and did they leave an enduring legacy, or will their achievements simply be confined to the history books? 

The history and recollection of ‘empire’ will always be controversial. This course aims to analyse the key features and protagonists through an historical lens and to consider the many different judgements and viewpoints both on the events and on their many impacts.

Presentation of the course 

The course will be taught in five sessions over one week. Rupert will deliver the course in an informal and discursive style, encouraging questions and points as he goes along, leading to wider discussion. He will always be available after each class to discuss and develop further any aspect of the issues covered, and to offer advice and support to those who are considering submitting written work for formal evaluation. Above all, Rupert emphasises inclusivity and a space that can comfortably accommodate a range of paces and preferences, from those who might choose to partake more by listening, to those who wish to be more active and to take intellectual risk.  

Course sessions

1. The Beginnings: the development of Early Modern Europe in the 15th century. The course begins by examining a rapidly changing early modern Europe that enabled Portugal and Spain to forge the first truly overseas maritime empires. 
    
2. The Follow-on: the emergence of the empires of the Netherlands, France and England. The 16th and early 17th centuries saw both expansion and collisions of other European powers seeking overseas advantage, leading to new and very different models of empire.
    
3. Global Competition: the Franco-British struggle for supremacy. The 18th century causes and consequences of the two leading European powers’ determination to be the global hegemon.
    
4. Empire by Accident? Britain transforming and transformed. An analysis of the British Empire in the 19th century, focusing on the history of the transatlantic slave trade, an examination of the notion of the ‘mission to civilize’ and the British approach to its crown jewel: India.
    
5. Challengers and the seeds of destruction: the start of the road to global cataclysm. The internal transformations of the United States, Germany and Japan in the second half of the 19th century would set the conditions both for global cataclysms and the rapid collapse of 400 years of maritime empire. Why was this, and what conclusions can we draw?

Learning outcomes

You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course. 

The learning outcomes for this course are:

• to gain knowledge and understanding of the key events, developments and individuals in this period
   
• a deepened understanding of the issues relevant to the period, reached through reading and debate and discussion in class
   
• a construction of reasoned and supported argument in response to questions, based on close and critical reading of the historical literature

Required reading

Howe, Stephen, Empire: A Very Short Introduction (OUP, 2002)

Typical week: Monday to Friday 

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students.   

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to your learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events. 

Evaluation and Academic Credit  

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.  

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay. 

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit. 

Certificate of attendance 

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.