Commemoration and contestation of the British Empire
I can explain how and why perspectives regarding the British Empire have changed over time and that historians still debate the impacts of the Empire today.
Commemoration and contestation of the British Empire
I can explain how and why perspectives regarding the British Empire have changed over time and that historians still debate the impacts of the Empire today.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Perspectives on British Empire have changed over time.
- In the 19th century, the Empire was celebrated in Britain and seen as a source of pride.
- Many contemporary historians view the impact of the British Empire negatively.
- Many historians have revised interpretations of Empire to include the perspectives of the colonised.
- The theory of postcolonialism argues that the impacts of colonialism are still felt today.
Keywords
Empire - an empire is a group of countries or provinces ruled from the centre by another person or group of people
Imperial - something relating to empire is known as imperial
Historiography - historiography is the study of the writing of history and of written history
Postcolonialism - postcolonialism is a theoretical approach that is concerned with the impact of colonisation in colonies and former colonies
Common misconception
Historians have finished debating the legacy of the British Empire.
Historians continue to debate the legacy of the British Empire as new information emerges.
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Commemoration and contestation of the British Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 history lesson on: Commemoration and contestation of the British Empire, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the Interpreting the British Empire: how has it been commemorated and contested? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
ideas focused on the impact of colonisation in colonies
Relating to empire
the study of the writing of history and of written history