THE IMPERIALISM OF CECIL JOHN RHODES: METROPOLITAN PERCEPTIONS OF A COLONIAL REPUTATION

Cecil John Rhodes, the British mining-magnate, politician, and empire builder, epitomised the dynamism and controversy of late-nineteenth century imperialism. In his time he was regarded as a towering figure of the age, not only in Britain and its colonial empire, but throughout the world. He cast a long shadow into the twentieth century, through associates who helped to create the Union of South Africa as a self-governing dominion, as well as eponymously through his legacy in the politics and infrastructure of Rhodesia and the wider subcontinent. When this thesis was conceived it was not anticipated that Rhodes and his reputation would again become matters of controversy, as they have emerged in South Africa in the #RhodesMustFall movement in 2015 which latterly has extended to Oxford, where his architectural legacy has become controversial. This renewed interest provides further testimony to his stature, although, as originally intended, this study will be confined to his career and immediately posthumous reputation. This thesis will chart the rise, fall, and recovery of Rhodes’s reputation as it appeared to British public opinion. The thesis aims to explore the myths which have enveloped Rhodes and provoked an often distorted understanding of the man and his motivations. It will trace the origins and development of these myths, assessing their accuracy and their ideological foundations. It need hardly be stated that this thesis is not intended as an apologia for Rhodes, or for late-nineteenth century imperialism, but rather to re-examine both within their historical context. In addition, the thesis will provide a contemporary perspective on events of such historical significance as the founding of Rhodesia, the Jameson Raid, and the immediate reaction to the Rhodes scholarships. In a broader sense this thesis seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge concerned with how the British themselves viewed their Empire, and to reintegrate the imperial experience within the wider context of British social and cultural history. In this thesis Cecil Rhodes, the man and his works, are utilised as a prism through which to view more closely British attitudes towards the empire.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2016

Author dc:creator

• Massie, Stephen Alexander

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/3n0y-pt60

OAI identifier oai:identifier

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