How Did Britain Treat People During Colonial Times?

The impact of British colonization varied widely, with a significant portion of the colonies benefiting from various forms of infrastructure and development, including schools, hospitals, legal systems, and administrative structures. This article explores the treatment of people during the peak of the British Empire, touching on positive aspects such as legislative reforms, economic opportunities, and social integration.

Promoting Education and Healthcare

British colonization brought tangible benefits, such as the establishment of schools and healthcare facilities in many colonies. Take, for example, India, where British colonizers abolished practices such as sati, the ritual burning of widows, and eradicated the thuggee gangs.

Positive Experiences and Treatment

As someone born and educated during the Empire's glory days, I can attest that the treatment of colonists was generally positive. I was treated just fine, and to my knowledge, no other individual experienced mistreatment. While the rare occurrence of murder, especially against a police officer, warranted retribution, such incidents were extremely rare.

Integration and Social Hierarchy

The concept of being British was not limited to those born in the United Kingdom. Individuals from various backgrounds, including Romans, Saxons, Jutes, Angles, and Normans, were integrated into British culture and society. Similar to modern times, regional colonists often retained strong ties to the British homeland. When a colonist was not from the traditional British background, they were often treated similarly to British nationals living in the UK, except in penal establishments. Even there, conditions were comparable to those in the UK.

Economic Opportunities and Social Mobility

One of the chief reasons for the migration to colonies was the hope for better prospects. Many looked to the colonies as a way to escape the dire circumstances of the UK, such as Dickensian conditions. While these opportunities offered a chance for a better life, they came with costs, such as individual responsibilities and societal expectations.

Challenges and Departures

While the potential for a better life existed, the British government sometimes abandoned its citizens in colonies in favor of abstract notions of equality and fairness. A prime example was the evacuation of people from Rhodesia when communist insurgents overran the region. This decision highlighted the thin veneer of British commitment to its colonial subjects and the potential costs of idealism over pragmatic governance.