The British Empire in Color

A three-part series exploring the political and social factors that led to--as Edward Gibbon said of another--“the decline and fall” of the British empire (which in the early 20th century stretched to nearly every part of the known world), The British Empire in Color is comprised of The Decline of the British Empire, The Fall of the British Empire, and The Legacy of the British Empire (also available separately for $39.95 each). I watched the second volume--The Fall of the British Empire--chronicling the modern independence movements in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East beginning with the Balfour Declaration in 1917 supporting a Jewish state in Palestine. Combining archival footage, stills, and audio clips, along with voiceover narration, this is a lively, fairly objective overview of British colonial civilization and its discontents. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)