Defending the Empire [audio 15min]

"Empire" 79th of 90: Nelson's victory at Trafalgar (1805) had given Britain control of the sea lanes along which the investment and profits of empire sailed. But as the empire grew, so the bills became harder to pay. Territories needed administrations, justices and above all, protection. Moreover, Britain was also very much an European power. Half Britain's food was imported and industry would soon come to a halt if raw materials didn't reach the British Isles. Moreover, as Britain increased her overseas trade and possessions, so she increased her vulnerability. So, by the 20th century the empire had become harder to defend, especially at sea because the value of the empire was in the holds of ships. No other nation had this size problem; every colony and outpost had to be defended in time of peace to make war less likely. "This Sceptred Isle: Empire" is a narrative history of the British Empire from Ireland in the 12th century to the independence of India in the 20th, told in 90 programmes written by historian Christopher Lee and narrated by actor Juliet Stevenson. ~Visit website to listen again to 5 most recent episodes, plus interactive maps and timeline, biographical dictionary, image galleries, quizzes, sources, resources, listeners' comments.