Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 9: The Expansion of England

"Critical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 9: The Expansion of England" by John Morley is a thought-provoking look at England's growth during the 1700s, a time when the nation's story was being written not just in Europe, but also in America and Asia, offering a snapshot of colonial times and the links between politics and the past. The essay questions whether the importance of colonies to England's identity and position in the world has been underestimated, disagreeing with some historical interpretations of the time and exploring the key happenings of this period. Morley emphasizes the need to consider the historical narratives that influence how we think about national strength and identity, examining pivotal episodes like the American Revolution and the nation's push into India, while revealing the complicated relationship between growth, control, and the British Empire's progression.