Colonies in Conflict: The History of the British Overseas Territories

The British Overseas Territories are the last remnants of the British Empire scattered around the globe. This book traces their little-known history from their discovery by European explorers to today’s controversies, wars and scandals, which are all rooted in the past. Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the British Antarctic Territory is tested against early documentation. The multinational development of Gibraltar provides the backdrop to Spain’s current position regarding the Rock. Ignoring the interests of Diego Garcia residents when a US naval base was constructed is traced to longstanding neglect of the island. The past development of the Cayman Islands and the Virgin Islands is compared to explain their different paths towards today’s success. The comparison between Bermuda’s current prosperity and St. Helena’s difficulties is traced to their different administrative evolution since the 17th century. Anguilla’s resistance to pirate attacks helped develop its resilience in opposing later political union with St. Kitts. The roots of Montserrat’s political problems are traced to complacent 18th century planters, while the seeds of recent scandals in Pitcairn Island and the Turks and Caicos were sown in the 19th century.

The book reviews the internal and external conflicts which exacerbated the social, legal, economic and political problems suffered by these territories. Neglect by corrupt administrators created a two-speed British Empire in which the interests of the smaller colonies were largely ignored. The consequences for these territories of European dynastic wars, the slave trade and emancipation, the French Revolution, and the American War of Independence are all analysed. No other published history has tackled the subject in such broad terms. The study breaks new ground in academic research and provides original insights into identifying solutions to current problems.