This lesson examines the controversial legacy of the British Empire. It questions students to consider whether Britain should be proud or ashamed of its Empire, including the experiences of indigenous peoples under British rule.

The lesson begins by establishing the historical context. Students explore what an Empire is and examine the extent of the British Empire by 1900. This provides the knowledge and context needed for students to engage with the central debate.

Students then use a combination of video clips, historical sources and Victorian propaganda to investigate different perspectives on the British Empire. They are challenged to decide whether they feel Britain should be proud, ashamed, or perhaps a mixture of both. As the lesson develops, students revisit and justify their position using the evidence they have encountered.

The lesson also introduces more recent interpretations of the British Empire, including the views of British Prime Ministers and debates surrounding museums and the ownership of imperial artefacts. Students are encouraged to consider how interpretations of Britain’s imperial past have changed over time.

The second part of the lesson examines a range of countries acquired by Britain and considers the claimed ‘benefits of Empire’ alongside the experiences of the peoples who were conquered. Students use this evidence to reach a final judgement about the impact and legacy of the British Empire.

A creative homework task asks students to design an Empire Day plate, celebrating Empire Day in 1902. Photographic examples are provided to help students understand the historical context and inspire their designs.

The lesson includes suggested teaching and learning strategies, relevant historical interpretations, video clips, source-analysis activities and opportunities for structured debate.

The lesson is fully enquiry-based, with a key question introduced at the beginning and revisited throughout the lesson, allowing students to demonstrate how their thinking and understanding develop.

The resource is provided as a fully editable PowerPoint, allowing you to adapt the content, activities and teaching strategies to suit your students.

Included in this lesson:
Fully editable PowerPoint
Context and background to the British Empire
Victorian propaganda
Historical source analysis
Modern interpretations of the British Empire
Case studies examining the ‘benefits’ of Empire
Analysis of indigenous experiences
Discussion of museums and imperial artefacts
Suggested teaching and learning strategies

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