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Narrator: This is the story
of the british empire,
2
00:00:03,370 --> 00:00:06,338
Seen in color
for the first time.
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00:00:07,883 --> 00:00:10,509
It's history's biggest empire.
4
00:00:12,129 --> 00:00:13,137
[neighing]
5
00:00:13,213 --> 00:00:15,055
At its peak in 1919,
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00:00:15,141 --> 00:00:19,059
The british empire controls
a quarter of the earth's land
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00:00:19,228 --> 00:00:23,305
And almost 500 million people--
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00:00:23,315 --> 00:00:27,067
In africa, the far east,
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00:00:27,278 --> 00:00:30,404
And india,
the jewel in the crown.
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00:00:32,316 --> 00:00:37,161
On this empire,
it's said, the sun never sets.
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00:00:37,237 --> 00:00:42,082
Imperial trade brings
prosperity to britain.
12
00:00:42,293 --> 00:00:44,001
But while british colonialists
13
00:00:44,078 --> 00:00:46,995
Enjoy the fruits
of british rule,
14
00:00:47,006 --> 00:00:49,465
The colonized often suffer.
15
00:00:52,586 --> 00:00:56,805
And with world war ii come
demands for self-determination.
16
00:00:58,267 --> 00:01:02,186
Gandhi challenges
britain's grip on india,
17
00:01:02,262 --> 00:01:07,766
And world war exhausts britain,
leaving her bankrupt.
18
00:01:07,777 --> 00:01:10,110
British dominance fades.
19
00:01:10,187 --> 00:01:14,773
Revolts and insurgencies
tear at the empire.
20
00:01:14,784 --> 00:01:17,943
But a young new queen
helps reinvent it.
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00:01:17,953 --> 00:01:22,364
This is the british empire
as you've never seen it before.
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00:01:22,374 --> 00:01:33,458
♪
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00:01:33,469 --> 00:01:37,971
♪
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00:01:38,048 --> 00:01:40,557
Princess elizabeth: ...Shall be
devoted to your service...
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00:01:40,634 --> 00:01:48,899
♪
26
00:01:48,976 --> 00:01:50,392
[bugle call]
27
00:01:50,402 --> 00:01:52,727
Narrator: It's 1899.
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00:01:52,738 --> 00:01:55,155
In this rare film,
queen victoria,
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Seated in the left corner,
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Reviews the british army's
senior regiment,
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The life guards, at windsor.
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00:02:04,241 --> 00:02:06,375
Her empire is growing.
33
00:02:08,087 --> 00:02:11,421
Britain is embarking
on another war of expansion,
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00:02:11,498 --> 00:02:14,174
This time in south africa.
35
00:02:14,251 --> 00:02:18,262
They'll be fighting the boers,
descendants of dutch settlers,
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00:02:18,338 --> 00:02:21,673
For land, gold,
and diamond mines.
37
00:02:21,684 --> 00:02:23,016
[ship horn blows]
38
00:02:23,093 --> 00:02:27,679
The troopship roslin castle
leaves southampton.
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00:02:27,690 --> 00:02:30,182
Cameramen from
the warwick trading company
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00:02:30,192 --> 00:02:33,518
Will follow the action.
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00:02:33,529 --> 00:02:36,113
At port elizabeth
in the eastern cape,
42
00:02:36,190 --> 00:02:38,866
Crowds greet imperial forces.
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00:02:41,695 --> 00:02:45,363
For this campaign,
the empire musters 400,000 men
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00:02:45,374 --> 00:02:47,249
From across the globe.
45
00:02:49,036 --> 00:02:53,005
These indian soldiers are
serving in the medical corps.
46
00:02:54,967 --> 00:02:56,216
Others are australian,
47
00:02:56,385 --> 00:02:59,344
Like these mounted riflemen
in cape town.
48
00:03:01,807 --> 00:03:04,224
The british draft
local zulu herders
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00:03:04,393 --> 00:03:07,311
To deliver army supplies
by ox train.
50
00:03:09,356 --> 00:03:10,555
A victory will give the crown
51
00:03:10,566 --> 00:03:13,650
Complete control
of south africa.
52
00:03:16,655 --> 00:03:19,564
This film, of british
infantrymen digging trenches
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00:03:19,575 --> 00:03:22,242
On the edge of boer territory,
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00:03:22,328 --> 00:03:24,161
Is some of the earliest
surviving footage
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00:03:24,238 --> 00:03:27,247
From a war zone.
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00:03:27,333 --> 00:03:31,668
The empire expects
a rapid victory.
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00:03:31,745 --> 00:03:35,080
But just after british lancers
cross the modder river,
58
00:03:35,090 --> 00:03:39,176
A boer attack kicks off
a string of bloody battles.
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00:03:39,253 --> 00:03:45,432
♪
60
00:03:45,509 --> 00:03:47,601
The war turns ugly,
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00:03:47,678 --> 00:03:50,854
Costing 22,000 imperial troops
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00:03:50,931 --> 00:03:54,399
And 6,000 boer soldiers
their lives.
63
00:03:56,612 --> 00:03:58,687
Outnumbered and outgunned,
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00:03:58,697 --> 00:04:03,283
The boers resort
to guerrilla tactics.
65
00:04:03,410 --> 00:04:04,609
To crush their resistance,
66
00:04:04,620 --> 00:04:09,373
Imperial forces destroy
land and farms.
67
00:04:09,449 --> 00:04:11,291
Boer men, women, and children
68
00:04:11,377 --> 00:04:14,544
Are held in prototype
concentration camps,
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00:04:14,621 --> 00:04:17,872
Which are overcrowded
and filthy.
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00:04:17,883 --> 00:04:22,377
26,000 boer civilians
die in them,
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00:04:22,388 --> 00:04:25,889
And 12,000 local africans
in boer territory
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Suffer the same fate.
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00:04:28,727 --> 00:04:32,312
But the public at home
never sees images like these.
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00:04:32,398 --> 00:04:36,316
♪
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00:04:36,485 --> 00:04:38,652
In 1902,
troops leave south africa
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00:04:38,729 --> 00:04:43,907
As the boers surrender
their land to the british.
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00:04:43,984 --> 00:04:45,325
It's the final colony
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That the empire will secure
through conflict.
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00:04:50,499 --> 00:04:53,750
Crowds in london welcome
the city volunteers home.
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[applause]
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South africa brings new wealth
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To an empire already enjoying
the riches of india.
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♪
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It's known as the raj,
sanskrit for "ruler."
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Britain has run things here
since the mid 18th century,
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00:05:19,436 --> 00:05:21,445
First through
the east india company
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00:05:21,521 --> 00:05:25,365
And, since the 1850s,
by direct crown rule.
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00:05:29,696 --> 00:05:33,865
Home to 250 million people
and rich in natural resources,
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00:05:33,876 --> 00:05:37,502
India is called britain's
jewel in the crown.
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00:05:39,298 --> 00:05:43,792
In 1911, new british king
george v and queen mary
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00:05:43,802 --> 00:05:45,126
Visit delhi.
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[cheering]
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00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:47,629
In a durbar,
94
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Persian for grand meeting,
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The king becomes
emperor of india.
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No expense is spared.
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It's described as the grandest
extravaganza of the raj.
98
00:06:03,480 --> 00:06:06,907
50,000 troops and platoons
of bejeweled elephants
99
00:06:06,983 --> 00:06:10,660
Dazzle a quarter of a million
spectators.
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00:06:10,737 --> 00:06:17,084
♪
101
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Britain's top dozen cameramen
film the event,
102
00:06:20,923 --> 00:06:24,424
With orders to keep
a respectful distance.
103
00:06:24,635 --> 00:06:28,136
It's a landmark
in cinematic news coverage.
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The king accepts
expressions of fealty
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From nearly every indian noble
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And thousands
of the country's gentry.
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♪
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00:06:48,617 --> 00:06:51,785
In deference,
each bows three times,
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Taking care not to give offense
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00:06:53,539 --> 00:06:58,700
By turning their backs
as they walk away.
111
00:06:58,710 --> 00:07:04,205
But the wealthy maharaja
of baroda bows only once.
112
00:07:04,216 --> 00:07:08,468
He then turns his back
on his emperor, swings his cane,
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00:07:08,545 --> 00:07:11,805
And, it is said, laughs.
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♪
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00:07:15,978 --> 00:07:19,304
The incident makes
headlines at home.
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♪
117
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The prince apologizes,
pleading nervous confusion.
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As a powerful ally of the raj,
he is not rebuked by george v,
119
00:07:38,333 --> 00:07:41,743
And a few years later,
the king gives sayajirao iii,
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00:07:41,753 --> 00:07:44,746
Maharaja of baroda,
a knighthood.
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00:07:44,756 --> 00:07:49,926
♪
122
00:07:50,003 --> 00:07:53,180
The empire needs
to keep india onside.
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00:07:55,726 --> 00:07:58,593
Britain recruits thousands
of indian soldiers,
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00:07:58,604 --> 00:08:02,096
Who do battle in europe,
starting in 1914,
125
00:08:02,107 --> 00:08:05,183
When britain goes to war
with germany.
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00:08:05,194 --> 00:08:10,688
♪
127
00:08:10,699 --> 00:08:14,451
They have a reputation
as tough, professional fighters.
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00:08:14,528 --> 00:08:19,539
♪
129
00:08:19,666 --> 00:08:21,958
In November 1915, newsmen,
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00:08:22,035 --> 00:08:24,786
Including geoffrey malins,
shown here,
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00:08:24,796 --> 00:08:27,539
Spend two weeks filming
these indian soldiers
132
00:08:27,549 --> 00:08:31,793
For cinema audiences back home.
133
00:08:31,803 --> 00:08:34,554
Having fought
alongside british troops,
134
00:08:34,631 --> 00:08:36,556
They're now at the rear.
135
00:08:36,633 --> 00:08:42,395
♪
136
00:08:42,472 --> 00:08:45,565
[sawing]
137
00:08:45,734 --> 00:08:48,226
But duty still calls--
138
00:08:48,237 --> 00:08:52,146
Making trench periscopes,
139
00:08:52,157 --> 00:08:54,315
Sharpening blades,
140
00:08:54,326 --> 00:08:56,493
Digging trenches,
141
00:08:56,570 --> 00:09:00,580
And deploying barbed wire.
142
00:09:00,749 --> 00:09:02,582
Despite the winter chill,
143
00:09:02,659 --> 00:09:05,418
There's still time
to think of home.
144
00:09:05,495 --> 00:09:06,744
A field becomes a venue
145
00:09:06,755 --> 00:09:09,664
For a performance
of a southern indian dance
146
00:09:09,675 --> 00:09:14,669
Where soldiers swirl
their traditional swords.
147
00:09:14,680 --> 00:09:16,596
And the freezing mud
doesn't deter them
148
00:09:16,765 --> 00:09:19,015
From staging a wrestling match.
149
00:09:22,596 --> 00:09:24,178
These soldiers
continue the tradition
150
00:09:24,189 --> 00:09:28,024
Of the once-famous sikh army,
the khalsa.
151
00:09:31,688 --> 00:09:33,521
Here the 47th sikh regiment
152
00:09:33,532 --> 00:09:36,858
Present their bayonets
to british command to touch
153
00:09:36,868 --> 00:09:38,660
As a symbol of loyalty.
154
00:09:40,864 --> 00:09:43,623
And the 58th vaughan's rifles
March by
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00:09:43,834 --> 00:09:45,959
While officers take the salute.
156
00:09:48,880 --> 00:09:53,633
In world war I,
75,000 indian soldiers
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00:09:53,710 --> 00:09:55,760
Will die for the empire.
158
00:09:59,799 --> 00:10:01,633
As the war in europe spreads,
159
00:10:01,643 --> 00:10:06,187
The border of a german colony
in africa becomes a new front.
160
00:10:08,058 --> 00:10:10,317
Far south
of european battlefields,
161
00:10:10,393 --> 00:10:12,902
Royal flying corps pilots
patrol the line
162
00:10:12,979 --> 00:10:16,239
Between british east africa,
now kenya,
163
00:10:16,316 --> 00:10:21,486
And german east africa,
modern-day tanzania.
164
00:10:21,496 --> 00:10:22,829
Imperial troops are here
165
00:10:22,906 --> 00:10:25,665
Because germany has attacked
the british colony
166
00:10:25,742 --> 00:10:28,993
To divert resources from europe.
167
00:10:29,004 --> 00:10:33,673
These locally recruited askaris,
arabic for "policemen,"
168
00:10:33,750 --> 00:10:36,843
Make up the king's
african rifles.
169
00:10:36,920 --> 00:10:40,930
♪
170
00:10:41,007 --> 00:10:44,601
Their officers are
mostly british and white.
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♪
172
00:10:51,610 --> 00:10:54,102
A newsreel films
military exercises,
173
00:10:54,112 --> 00:10:58,698
An askari drill and
british artillery bombardment.
174
00:10:58,784 --> 00:11:00,200
[boom]
175
00:11:00,276 --> 00:11:05,038
Fighting continues
until the armistice in 1918.
176
00:11:05,115 --> 00:11:10,126
10,000 soldiers and 100,000
local africans are killed.
177
00:11:10,203 --> 00:11:12,629
[shouting]
178
00:11:14,299 --> 00:11:17,008
Britain and the allies
win the war.
179
00:11:18,795 --> 00:11:21,721
In 1919,
at the palace of versailles,
180
00:11:21,890 --> 00:11:23,297
Cavalry line the route
181
00:11:23,308 --> 00:11:28,561
As delegates arrive
to negotiate a lasting peace.
182
00:11:28,638 --> 00:11:32,565
On may the 27th, lieutenant
victor kubes of the u.S. Army
183
00:11:32,642 --> 00:11:33,983
Films an appearance
184
00:11:34,060 --> 00:11:37,404
By british prime minister
lloyd george, on the left,
185
00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:42,567
Italian prime minister orlando,
french premier clemenceau,
186
00:11:42,577 --> 00:11:46,404
And american president
woodrow wilson, on the right.
187
00:11:46,415 --> 00:11:55,255
♪
188
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The german delegates are taken
to sign the surrender documents
189
00:11:58,927 --> 00:12:01,970
Inside the palace's
great hall of mirrors.
190
00:12:04,349 --> 00:12:05,840
The versailles treaty
191
00:12:05,851 --> 00:12:08,843
Does not resolve the conflicts
that caused the war,
192
00:12:08,854 --> 00:12:11,679
But it does strip germany
of its colonies
193
00:12:11,690 --> 00:12:13,481
And hands them to the allies.
194
00:12:16,027 --> 00:12:18,027
The pact reframes the world
195
00:12:18,104 --> 00:12:22,607
And expands british territory
to its greatest ever size.
196
00:12:22,617 --> 00:12:28,446
♪
197
00:12:28,457 --> 00:12:29,781
Britain now has control
198
00:12:29,791 --> 00:12:32,375
Of people, land,
business, and trade
199
00:12:32,452 --> 00:12:36,963
On a scale that brings it
enormous wealth and power.
200
00:12:37,040 --> 00:12:39,791
The empire is at its peak.
201
00:12:39,801 --> 00:12:44,804
♪
202
00:12:44,881 --> 00:12:49,809
In the 1920s, london, as ever,
is the bustling commercial hub
203
00:12:50,020 --> 00:12:51,811
Of the british empire.
204
00:12:51,897 --> 00:13:02,071
♪
205
00:13:02,148 --> 00:13:06,993
In northwest london, workmen
break ground for a huge project.
206
00:13:09,572 --> 00:13:10,830
They're building a complex
207
00:13:10,999 --> 00:13:14,492
Of pavilions, gardens,
and an immense stadium
208
00:13:14,503 --> 00:13:18,412
For an exhibition to show off
the fruits of empire.
209
00:13:18,423 --> 00:13:20,414
[cheering]
210
00:13:20,425 --> 00:13:23,927
A year later,
on the 23rd of April, 1924,
211
00:13:24,003 --> 00:13:26,254
King george v and queen mary
212
00:13:26,264 --> 00:13:30,091
Arrive at the brand-new
empire stadium.
213
00:13:30,101 --> 00:13:34,679
Later it will be renamed
wembley stadium.
214
00:13:34,689 --> 00:13:35,855
For the first time ever,
215
00:13:35,941 --> 00:13:38,024
The bbc's fledgling
radio service
216
00:13:38,101 --> 00:13:40,318
Broadcasts the king speaking.
217
00:13:50,780 --> 00:13:53,957
Narrator: He has encouraging
words for the empire's future.
218
00:14:10,633 --> 00:14:13,685
Narrator: Visitors can tour
thousands of exhibits.
219
00:14:17,473 --> 00:14:20,400
Plus, there's an amusement park
for children.
220
00:14:22,478 --> 00:14:23,903
On one June day,
221
00:14:23,980 --> 00:14:26,906
A record-breaking
300,000 visitors
222
00:14:26,983 --> 00:14:30,034
Enjoy this display
of the empire's assets.
223
00:14:32,655 --> 00:14:36,291
The king and queen tour
a replica of an african village.
224
00:14:38,995 --> 00:14:41,004
Ashanti nobles
from the gold coast
225
00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:44,048
Demonstrate carving and weaving.
226
00:14:47,345 --> 00:14:49,086
The royal couple amaze onlookers
227
00:14:49,097 --> 00:14:51,931
By taking a ride
on a miniature railway.
228
00:14:52,008 --> 00:14:58,605
♪
229
00:14:58,681 --> 00:14:59,680
[children cheering]
230
00:14:59,691 --> 00:15:01,098
[whistle blows]
231
00:15:01,109 --> 00:15:09,607
♪
232
00:15:09,618 --> 00:15:14,287
[thunder]
233
00:15:14,364 --> 00:15:17,957
Six months later, in a downpour,
sodden crowds listen
234
00:15:18,084 --> 00:15:21,127
As the prince of wales,
later king edward viii,
235
00:15:21,204 --> 00:15:25,298
Closes the exhibition,
proclaiming it a huge success.
236
00:15:30,046 --> 00:15:33,723
The exhibition brings the glory
of the empire home to britain,
237
00:15:33,800 --> 00:15:37,644
And along with that glory
comes substantial wealth.
238
00:15:41,566 --> 00:15:42,982
[whistle blows]
239
00:15:46,646 --> 00:15:49,897
The river thames in london
is the center of british trade
240
00:15:49,908 --> 00:15:51,240
With the empire.
241
00:15:55,497 --> 00:16:00,166
In July 1921, king george v
sails on the royal yacht rover
242
00:16:00,243 --> 00:16:03,211
To open a new
multimillion-pound dock.
243
00:16:07,166 --> 00:16:10,501
Nine years in the building,
it bears the king's name
244
00:16:10,512 --> 00:16:15,423
And is to be the centerpiece
of imperial trade,
245
00:16:15,433 --> 00:16:18,759
Suiting an empire
built on sea power.
246
00:16:18,770 --> 00:16:24,515
♪
247
00:16:24,526 --> 00:16:26,767
[bell tolling]
248
00:16:26,778 --> 00:16:29,529
In 1925, this power is projected
249
00:16:29,605 --> 00:16:32,031
By heir to the throne,
the prince of wales,
250
00:16:32,158 --> 00:16:35,192
As he begins a journey
aboard hms repulse
251
00:16:35,203 --> 00:16:38,195
To the gambia,
a colony in west africa.
252
00:16:38,206 --> 00:16:43,376
♪
253
00:16:43,453 --> 00:16:46,045
He's part
of an imperial pr mission
254
00:16:46,122 --> 00:16:49,716
To the farthest part
of the empire.
255
00:16:49,792 --> 00:16:52,135
Boyishly handsome
in his naval uniform,
256
00:16:52,211 --> 00:16:54,387
The prince
is the first royal pinup
257
00:16:54,464 --> 00:16:59,976
And the most photographed
celebrity of his era.
258
00:17:00,053 --> 00:17:02,145
Cameras roll
as he pauses to inspect
259
00:17:02,221 --> 00:17:05,982
The royal navy's atlantic fleet
in the bay of biscay.
260
00:17:08,227 --> 00:17:11,988
It takes one week to reach
bathurst, capital of the gambia,
261
00:17:12,065 --> 00:17:16,075
Where residents cheer
the prince and his entourage.
262
00:17:16,286 --> 00:17:18,411
He meets local judges
and dignitaries,
263
00:17:18,488 --> 00:17:21,238
Thanking them for stepping up
during the war,
264
00:17:21,249 --> 00:17:23,908
Seven years after it ended.
265
00:17:23,918 --> 00:17:28,004
♪
266
00:17:28,081 --> 00:17:29,413
On his tours,
267
00:17:29,424 --> 00:17:33,092
The prince travels thousands
of miles, mainly by sea,
268
00:17:33,169 --> 00:17:36,804
But the empire has a new way
to get to its furthest reaches.
269
00:17:39,759 --> 00:17:43,427
[engine starting]
270
00:17:43,438 --> 00:17:46,514
The british government
has invested £1 million
271
00:17:46,524 --> 00:17:50,860
Into the imperial
airways service.
272
00:17:50,937 --> 00:17:56,774
The new airline crisscrosses
the empire at premium prices.
273
00:17:56,785 --> 00:17:59,702
Photographer leon levson,
a russian émigré,
274
00:17:59,779 --> 00:18:03,122
Films an imperial airways
empire flying boat
275
00:18:03,199 --> 00:18:04,916
Leaving from south africa.
276
00:18:07,629 --> 00:18:11,881
London to cape town
is a four-week sailing trip.
277
00:18:11,958 --> 00:18:15,960
By air, the travel time
dips to around ten days,
278
00:18:15,970 --> 00:18:17,637
With overnight stops.
279
00:18:20,975 --> 00:18:23,726
The planes offer luxury travel
280
00:18:23,803 --> 00:18:27,897
And a satisfyingly full
restaurant service.
281
00:18:27,974 --> 00:18:29,148
[snores]
282
00:18:29,234 --> 00:18:31,400
By 1925, the airline's pilots
283
00:18:31,477 --> 00:18:35,822
Are logging 135,000 miles
each month.
284
00:18:37,742 --> 00:18:40,243
Many of its passengers
are wealthy businessmen
285
00:18:40,319 --> 00:18:42,995
And top colonial
administrators...
286
00:18:43,072 --> 00:18:47,241
♪
287
00:18:47,252 --> 00:18:49,660
Men like sir charles kendall
in india,
288
00:18:49,671 --> 00:18:54,165
Who lives the luxurious life
of the colonial elite.
289
00:18:54,175 --> 00:18:55,583
Charles, on the right,
290
00:18:55,593 --> 00:18:58,928
Is one of only 1,000 british
senior civil servants
291
00:18:59,005 --> 00:19:00,847
Who run the whole of india.
292
00:19:03,685 --> 00:19:06,594
His palatial residence
in allahabad
293
00:19:06,604 --> 00:19:08,512
Befits his status as a judge
294
00:19:08,523 --> 00:19:11,774
Presiding over a quarter
of a million people.
295
00:19:13,686 --> 00:19:16,437
Wife clare and daughters
barbara and nancy,
296
00:19:16,447 --> 00:19:20,274
The family filmmakers,
document daily life.
297
00:19:20,285 --> 00:19:22,702
Uniformed servants
attend the kendalls
298
00:19:22,778 --> 00:19:25,872
As they take tea
and play croquet.
299
00:19:28,209 --> 00:19:30,034
As clare admires the garden,
300
00:19:30,044 --> 00:19:33,287
The staff help to recreate
a vision of the mother country
301
00:19:33,298 --> 00:19:36,132
With rolling lawns
and rose gardens.
302
00:19:39,295 --> 00:19:44,473
As many colonials here do, the
kendalls flee the summer heat.
303
00:19:44,550 --> 00:19:49,228
They relocate 400 miles north
to the hill station of nainital
304
00:19:49,305 --> 00:19:52,982
In the himalayan foothills.
305
00:19:53,059 --> 00:19:55,234
There's no roughing it, though.
306
00:19:55,320 --> 00:19:59,563
A china tea service
graces a picnic outing.
307
00:19:59,574 --> 00:20:01,824
On their way home,
they're followed downhill
308
00:20:01,901 --> 00:20:05,244
By over a dozen servants
carrying heavy boxes
309
00:20:05,321 --> 00:20:08,739
With the day's supplies.
310
00:20:08,750 --> 00:20:12,001
The servants are not only there
to assist the grown-ups.
311
00:20:14,580 --> 00:20:16,255
The kendalls' granddaughter,
lucinda,
312
00:20:16,332 --> 00:20:20,593
Shows off her dolls and her
books to the household servants.
313
00:20:20,670 --> 00:20:25,264
♪
314
00:20:25,341 --> 00:20:27,767
And even she travels in style,
315
00:20:27,843 --> 00:20:32,188
Carried uphill in a dandy
by two servants and a nurse.
316
00:20:34,517 --> 00:20:37,652
But not everyone
is living in such luxury.
317
00:20:41,407 --> 00:20:43,440
The kendall family
also take their film camera
318
00:20:43,451 --> 00:20:45,284
Out to the local villages,
319
00:20:45,495 --> 00:20:49,196
Where many communities
live in rural poverty.
320
00:20:49,207 --> 00:20:53,125
♪
321
00:20:53,202 --> 00:20:56,712
This is the reality
for millions of indian subjects
322
00:20:56,789 --> 00:21:01,008
And fuels a growing resentment
and desire for change.
323
00:21:03,462 --> 00:21:05,638
One figure harnesses
this resentment
324
00:21:05,715 --> 00:21:10,893
To demand freedom from
imperial rule--mahatma gandhi.
325
00:21:10,970 --> 00:21:16,473
♪
326
00:21:16,484 --> 00:21:20,144
In the early 1920s,
gandhi, a hindu lawyer,
327
00:21:20,154 --> 00:21:23,322
Is elected leader
of the indian national congress
328
00:21:23,533 --> 00:21:26,158
And advocates for self-rule.
329
00:21:26,235 --> 00:21:29,912
♪
330
00:21:29,989 --> 00:21:33,907
He devotes himself
to disrupting imperial trade.
331
00:21:33,918 --> 00:21:38,337
♪
332
00:21:38,423 --> 00:21:40,339
In 1930, gandhi embarks
333
00:21:40,425 --> 00:21:43,509
On a non-violent
non-cooperation campaign
334
00:21:43,586 --> 00:21:49,348
Defying british controls
on production of salt in india.
335
00:21:49,475 --> 00:21:52,518
Gandhi, known as mahatma,
or venerable,
336
00:21:52,595 --> 00:21:58,265
Sets out on a 240-mile walk
to the sea.
337
00:21:58,276 --> 00:22:01,518
It becomes known
as the salt March.
338
00:22:01,529 --> 00:22:06,607
♪
339
00:22:06,617 --> 00:22:09,860
Gandhi and his 80 core followers
are joined by thousands
340
00:22:09,871 --> 00:22:13,122
As they March towards
the western coast of india.
341
00:22:13,199 --> 00:22:21,872
♪
342
00:22:21,883 --> 00:22:26,218
After a 24-day walk,
a crowd of 50,000 greets them
343
00:22:26,295 --> 00:22:28,629
As they reach the sea at dandi.
344
00:22:28,639 --> 00:22:35,978
♪
345
00:22:36,055 --> 00:22:41,725
Jubilant, the protesters
make their own salt,
346
00:22:41,736 --> 00:22:46,447
A symbol of self-reliance
and self-governance.
347
00:22:48,743 --> 00:22:53,329
[shouting]
348
00:22:53,406 --> 00:22:55,498
In bombay,
his followers demonstrate
349
00:22:55,574 --> 00:23:00,419
In favor of boycotting
british businesses.
350
00:23:00,546 --> 00:23:02,421
[shouting]
351
00:23:02,498 --> 00:23:06,425
By may 1930, protesters are
picketing british-owned shops
352
00:23:06,636 --> 00:23:08,052
In the city.
353
00:23:11,006 --> 00:23:16,343
Britain's indian police force
crack down.
354
00:23:16,354 --> 00:23:18,020
[whacking]
355
00:23:24,529 --> 00:23:28,864
Violent repression
does not deter gandhi.
356
00:23:28,941 --> 00:23:32,284
He arranges a bigger
and more specific boycott
357
00:23:32,361 --> 00:23:35,871
Of imported british fabrics.
358
00:23:35,948 --> 00:23:38,624
Gandhi's goal is to hit
britain's textile mills
359
00:23:38,701 --> 00:23:42,461
And the empire's
trading profits.
360
00:23:42,547 --> 00:23:47,633
He also urges his countrymen to
spin and weave their own cloth,
361
00:23:47,710 --> 00:23:51,887
And he leads by example.
362
00:23:51,964 --> 00:23:57,643
Annual british textile exports
are over 1,200 million yards,
363
00:23:57,720 --> 00:24:01,439
But within two years,
they fall by over half.
364
00:24:07,062 --> 00:24:09,488
Now gaining
a reputation worldwide,
365
00:24:09,657 --> 00:24:15,402
In 1931, gandhi, aged 62,
travels to britain.
366
00:24:15,413 --> 00:24:19,656
To the public, he's presented
as an exotic indian peasant.
367
00:24:19,667 --> 00:24:22,159
Newscaster: His coming
has caused so much comment,
368
00:24:22,170 --> 00:24:25,496
Complete with loincloth,
spinning wheel, and goat's milk.
369
00:24:25,506 --> 00:24:26,747
Narrator:
He is here to participate
370
00:24:26,757 --> 00:24:29,842
In independence talks
with the government.
371
00:24:29,919 --> 00:24:33,762
Britons hope he can be persuaded
to end the boycott.
372
00:24:33,839 --> 00:24:35,088
He makes a point of visiting
373
00:24:35,099 --> 00:24:37,925
The mill town of darwen
in lancashire
374
00:24:37,935 --> 00:24:39,518
To meet some of the thousands
375
00:24:39,729 --> 00:24:42,679
That his boycott has helped
to put out of work.
376
00:24:42,690 --> 00:24:44,190
It's a chilly day
377
00:24:44,266 --> 00:24:47,684
As the laid-off millworkers
greet the mahatma.
378
00:24:47,695 --> 00:24:50,196
They hope that seeing
their state of distress
379
00:24:50,272 --> 00:24:53,115
Will change gandhi's mind.
380
00:24:53,192 --> 00:24:55,993
Surrounded, he speaks
warmly to his hosts.
381
00:25:08,791 --> 00:25:10,007
Interviewer: You have!
382
00:25:11,877 --> 00:25:13,302
Narrator:
He later tells a reporter
383
00:25:13,379 --> 00:25:16,555
That while lancashire
has 30,000 out of work,
384
00:25:16,724 --> 00:25:19,058
India has 30 million.
385
00:25:20,886 --> 00:25:25,564
But independence talks in london
achieve little.
386
00:25:25,775 --> 00:25:27,566
Gandhi prepares to leave britain
387
00:25:27,735 --> 00:25:30,945
And emphasizes
that he bears no ill will.
388
00:25:38,904 --> 00:25:40,496
♪
389
00:25:40,573 --> 00:25:44,083
[ship horn blows]
390
00:25:45,086 --> 00:25:46,460
[gulls squawking]
391
00:25:50,091 --> 00:25:52,666
Narrator: Despite gandhi's
attacks on the empire,
392
00:25:52,677 --> 00:25:56,262
In other parts of india,
it is still business as usual.
393
00:25:59,091 --> 00:26:02,259
Owen williams works for
his calcutta-based family firm
394
00:26:02,270 --> 00:26:05,604
And builds railways.
395
00:26:05,815 --> 00:26:07,848
An enthusiastic
amateur filmmaker,
396
00:26:07,858 --> 00:26:09,692
Owen is married to helen
397
00:26:09,768 --> 00:26:12,736
And drives
his imported morris oxford.
398
00:26:16,617 --> 00:26:19,702
His company is extending
a rail line in northern india,
399
00:26:19,778 --> 00:26:22,288
Today's pakistan.
400
00:26:22,364 --> 00:26:23,622
The tracks will serve crews
401
00:26:23,708 --> 00:26:26,542
Shifting timber
from the chhanga manga forest
402
00:26:26,619 --> 00:26:28,794
To make into rail foundations.
403
00:26:28,871 --> 00:26:30,129
♪
404
00:26:30,205 --> 00:26:45,102
♪
405
00:26:45,104 --> 00:26:46,470
♪
406
00:26:46,480 --> 00:26:49,723
As ever, cheap labor
is the backbone of his job.
407
00:26:49,734 --> 00:26:51,975
Simply rolling a log
onto a flatcar
408
00:26:51,986 --> 00:26:55,812
Requires dozens of men
straining every muscle.
409
00:26:55,823 --> 00:27:02,661
♪
410
00:27:02,830 --> 00:27:04,747
[steam whistle blows]
411
00:27:06,334 --> 00:27:10,419
The train itself is the most
automated part of the operation.
412
00:27:10,496 --> 00:27:17,593
♪
413
00:27:17,670 --> 00:27:20,671
The wood will be used
on the chhanga manga line...
414
00:27:20,681 --> 00:27:26,093
♪
415
00:27:26,103 --> 00:27:28,687
And across
the 24,000 miles of railway
416
00:27:28,773 --> 00:27:31,190
Built under british rule
in india.
417
00:27:31,266 --> 00:27:36,945
♪
418
00:27:37,022 --> 00:27:40,774
British rule brings
more than infrastructure.
419
00:27:40,785 --> 00:27:45,371
Colonialists also spread faith
across its territories.
420
00:27:47,616 --> 00:27:52,044
Cleric george basden
is about to leave britain.
421
00:27:52,121 --> 00:27:54,088
He is a christian missionary.
422
00:27:57,126 --> 00:28:01,211
George is also a filmmaker.
423
00:28:01,222 --> 00:28:03,722
He records his luggage
being winched aboard ship
424
00:28:03,891 --> 00:28:05,349
At liverpool.
425
00:28:07,052 --> 00:28:09,136
He's traveling to west africa,
426
00:28:09,146 --> 00:28:14,066
Where he is archdeacon
of an anglican congregation.
427
00:28:14,143 --> 00:28:19,405
After weeks at sea,
george reaches nigeria.
428
00:28:19,481 --> 00:28:22,658
A smaller craft carries him
up the bonny river
429
00:28:22,735 --> 00:28:24,451
To port harcourt.
430
00:28:27,072 --> 00:28:30,416
Further inland, a ferry
carries him and his ford
431
00:28:30,492 --> 00:28:32,251
Across the river niger.
432
00:28:35,748 --> 00:28:38,924
He's near the end of his
100-mile journey from the coast
433
00:28:39,001 --> 00:28:42,669
To his mission at owerri.
434
00:28:42,680 --> 00:28:46,932
Crowds come out
to welcome him back.
435
00:28:47,009 --> 00:28:48,842
He films
the missionary dispensary
436
00:28:48,853 --> 00:28:51,729
As nurses treat polio patients.
437
00:28:53,941 --> 00:28:55,858
[applause]
438
00:28:57,778 --> 00:29:01,447
The mission's western-style
education drills boys and girls
439
00:29:01,523 --> 00:29:06,526
In sports and music,
such as the brass band.
440
00:29:06,537 --> 00:29:11,790
♪
441
00:29:11,959 --> 00:29:16,712
The owerri congregation
is thriving,
442
00:29:16,789 --> 00:29:18,455
And today nigerians make up
443
00:29:18,466 --> 00:29:21,967
A quarter of all anglicans
in the world.
444
00:29:22,044 --> 00:29:29,892
♪
445
00:29:29,968 --> 00:29:32,811
But by the late thirties,
this great empire is threatened
446
00:29:32,980 --> 00:29:35,889
By the prospect
of another world war.
447
00:29:35,900 --> 00:29:37,816
Newscaster: News of war
as japan's armies
448
00:29:37,985 --> 00:29:41,653
Surge forward across china.
449
00:29:41,730 --> 00:29:45,240
Narrator: The japanese army
already controls parts of china.
450
00:29:47,745 --> 00:29:49,069
Its next target--
451
00:29:49,079 --> 00:29:52,664
Britain's far east island colony
of singapore.
452
00:29:56,912 --> 00:29:59,004
Always thinking of trade,
453
00:29:59,081 --> 00:30:01,089
Britain reinforces
its business center
454
00:30:01,166 --> 00:30:03,926
With a massive naval base
and dockyard
455
00:30:04,002 --> 00:30:06,837
Named after king george vi.
456
00:30:06,847 --> 00:30:08,255
[applause]
457
00:30:08,265 --> 00:30:10,849
It's the largest dry dock
in the world
458
00:30:10,926 --> 00:30:15,929
And stores enough fuel to supply
the british navy for six months.
459
00:30:15,940 --> 00:30:19,858
The new base costs £4 billion
in today's money
460
00:30:20,027 --> 00:30:22,519
And is believed
to be impregnable.
461
00:30:22,530 --> 00:30:27,691
♪
462
00:30:27,701 --> 00:30:30,285
[shouting]
463
00:30:30,362 --> 00:30:33,872
Gun crews drill constantly,
ready for action.
464
00:30:33,958 --> 00:30:36,875
Newscaster: The garrison, which
is being continually reinforced,
465
00:30:36,961 --> 00:30:39,211
Is fully capable
of maintaining singapore
466
00:30:39,288 --> 00:30:41,880
As a city of the british lion.
467
00:30:41,957 --> 00:30:45,884
Narrator: Readiness is all,
but when the shooting starts,
468
00:30:46,011 --> 00:30:49,137
Readiness will not be enough.
469
00:30:49,214 --> 00:30:50,472
[boom]
470
00:30:59,066 --> 00:31:00,899
By December 1941,
471
00:31:01,110 --> 00:31:04,227
The japanese army
have advanced through china.
472
00:31:04,238 --> 00:31:06,813
They attack and invade
hong kong,
473
00:31:06,824 --> 00:31:12,319
A major trading hub of the
british empire in the far east.
474
00:31:12,329 --> 00:31:15,080
Then, only six weeks later,
in early '42,
475
00:31:15,157 --> 00:31:16,498
They set their sights
476
00:31:16,575 --> 00:31:20,919
On the impregnable fortress
of singapore.
477
00:31:21,046 --> 00:31:22,921
Newscaster: Japanese transports
steam ominously
478
00:31:23,007 --> 00:31:24,831
Through asia's troubled waters
479
00:31:24,842 --> 00:31:26,833
As nippon's forces
press southward,
480
00:31:26,844 --> 00:31:29,252
Ever closer to singapore.
481
00:31:29,263 --> 00:31:31,838
Narrator: Their aim is to attack
the new naval base
482
00:31:31,849 --> 00:31:34,933
And capture this great center
of imperial trade.
483
00:31:35,060 --> 00:31:36,685
[ship horn blows]
484
00:31:36,762 --> 00:31:39,271
Newscaster: Into that tropical
hothouse, the malay peninsula,
485
00:31:39,348 --> 00:31:43,275
Were being rushed men
of nearly a dozen nationalities.
486
00:31:43,352 --> 00:31:45,277
Narrator: British troops
are joined by thousands
487
00:31:45,354 --> 00:31:49,522
From across the empire
to mount a defense.
488
00:31:49,533 --> 00:31:50,949
Newscaster: Once again,
the famous gurkhas
489
00:31:51,026 --> 00:31:52,367
Made their appearance.
490
00:31:52,444 --> 00:31:54,027
These nepalese troops
have one of the finest records
491
00:31:54,038 --> 00:31:56,038
In military history.
492
00:31:56,114 --> 00:31:57,372
Narrator:
Even with the gurkhas,
493
00:31:57,449 --> 00:32:00,918
The british struggle
to stand up to the japanese.
494
00:32:03,455 --> 00:32:06,122
[boom]
495
00:32:06,133 --> 00:32:07,716
The japanese move quickly,
496
00:32:07,793 --> 00:32:12,137
Filming their advance
as they cut off the island.
497
00:32:12,214 --> 00:32:14,547
In a skillful bluff,
they attack the base
498
00:32:14,558 --> 00:32:18,551
With an army of less than half
the size of the british.
499
00:32:18,562 --> 00:32:20,979
80,000 allied troops
are outmaneuvered
500
00:32:21,056 --> 00:32:24,191
By a japanese army of 30,000.
501
00:32:27,312 --> 00:32:29,988
Singapore,
once thought impregnable,
502
00:32:30,065 --> 00:32:33,659
Falls after seven days
of fighting
503
00:32:33,735 --> 00:32:37,663
On February the 15th, 1942.
504
00:32:37,739 --> 00:32:41,416
Few defeats have humiliated
the empire more thoroughly.
505
00:32:43,337 --> 00:32:47,714
80,000 imperial soldiers
and civilians surrender.
506
00:32:50,002 --> 00:32:53,336
Many prisoners of war
are enslaved by the japanese
507
00:32:53,347 --> 00:32:57,265
And sent to burma
to build a railway.
508
00:32:57,342 --> 00:33:02,396
Eventually pows make up 60,000
of that slave labor force.
509
00:33:05,350 --> 00:33:08,852
12,000 of them lose their lives
in horrific conditions
510
00:33:08,862 --> 00:33:12,030
Building 260 miles of track
through the jungle
511
00:33:12,116 --> 00:33:13,532
To link up with india.
512
00:33:17,037 --> 00:33:21,957
This story inspires the film
"the bridge on the river kwai."
513
00:33:22,034 --> 00:33:27,045
Those who endured the real thing
call it the burma death railway.
514
00:33:27,131 --> 00:33:36,054
♪
515
00:33:36,223 --> 00:33:38,298
Fearing neighboring india
will be next,
516
00:33:38,308 --> 00:33:41,059
The british start the fight back
against the japanese
517
00:33:41,136 --> 00:33:44,971
With the burma campaign.
518
00:33:44,982 --> 00:33:47,065
Newscaster: Raf liberators
of eastern air command
519
00:33:47,234 --> 00:33:48,892
Keep up a constant strafe
520
00:33:48,902 --> 00:33:51,728
Against japanese supply lines
and stores on the burma front.
521
00:33:51,739 --> 00:33:56,992
♪
522
00:33:57,069 --> 00:33:58,285
[boom]
523
00:34:00,164 --> 00:34:02,831
Narrator: Gurkha troops
reinforce the empire's defenses
524
00:34:02,908 --> 00:34:07,002
And again prove themselves
on the front line.
525
00:34:07,079 --> 00:34:09,004
Masters of jungle warfare,
526
00:34:09,081 --> 00:34:11,423
They booby-trap
enemy positions...
527
00:34:13,427 --> 00:34:15,752
Setting ambushes with nets
528
00:34:15,763 --> 00:34:19,506
And lining pits
with razor-sharp punji sticks.
529
00:34:19,516 --> 00:34:24,269
♪
530
00:34:24,346 --> 00:34:27,347
They also have survival skills
531
00:34:27,357 --> 00:34:31,151
Such as boiling river crabs
in bamboo tubes.
532
00:34:33,188 --> 00:34:36,773
These gurkha soldiers
are from nepalese battalions
533
00:34:36,784 --> 00:34:39,117
And part of the force
that fight fiercely
534
00:34:39,286 --> 00:34:43,029
To take a key burmese city.
535
00:34:43,040 --> 00:34:45,040
[boom]
536
00:34:45,117 --> 00:34:47,117
Newscaster: The japanese
made use of ancient pagodas
537
00:34:47,127 --> 00:34:48,952
And temples as strongpoints.
538
00:34:48,962 --> 00:34:51,788
Resistance was determined
and made the capture of mandalay
539
00:34:51,799 --> 00:34:56,376
The costliest campaign
of the whole burma war.
540
00:34:56,386 --> 00:34:59,221
Narrator: In 1943,
with a foothold in burma,
541
00:34:59,297 --> 00:35:02,298
Lord louis mountbatten
is sent to lead the campaign
542
00:35:02,309 --> 00:35:04,142
To push back
against the japanese
543
00:35:04,219 --> 00:35:07,804
And finish the job
in the far east.
544
00:35:07,815 --> 00:35:09,389
Announcer: Lord louis
has great news from europe
545
00:35:09,399 --> 00:35:12,400
To tell these men
of the british 14th army.
546
00:35:12,477 --> 00:35:14,310
Lord louis mountbatten:
Southeast asia command
547
00:35:14,321 --> 00:35:19,157
Is re-establishing
our far east supply lines.
548
00:35:19,243 --> 00:35:23,036
India is safe.
Burma is liberated.
549
00:35:24,414 --> 00:35:26,498
Narrator: In June 1945,
550
00:35:26,575 --> 00:35:29,751
The japanese are defeated
in the far east.
551
00:35:29,828 --> 00:35:34,256
[siren]
552
00:35:34,332 --> 00:35:37,417
As world war ii
comes to a close,
553
00:35:37,427 --> 00:35:43,014
Victory reveals the darkness
of japanese tyranny.
554
00:35:43,091 --> 00:35:46,092
Singapore, September 1945,
555
00:35:46,103 --> 00:35:52,765
Allied troops discover hideous
scenes in what was changi jail.
556
00:35:52,776 --> 00:35:54,442
Pows allow camera crews
557
00:35:54,519 --> 00:35:57,854
To document
their horrible condition.
558
00:35:57,865 --> 00:36:09,708
♪
559
00:36:09,784 --> 00:36:13,587
After three years of torment,
they are going home.
560
00:36:16,875 --> 00:36:19,542
[bell tolling]
561
00:36:19,553 --> 00:36:23,346
The empire has survived
the onslaught of world war ii.
562
00:36:25,800 --> 00:36:27,726
Prime minister
winston churchill
563
00:36:27,802 --> 00:36:32,230
Gets much of the credit
for the victory.
564
00:36:32,316 --> 00:36:35,233
Now he faces re-election,
565
00:36:35,310 --> 00:36:37,485
And the result is shocking.
566
00:36:39,990 --> 00:36:43,241
Man on radio: Conservatives 180.
567
00:36:43,410 --> 00:36:46,653
Labour 364.
568
00:36:46,663 --> 00:36:48,580
Narrator:
It's a decisive rejection
569
00:36:48,657 --> 00:36:50,832
Of churchill's
conservative party
570
00:36:50,909 --> 00:36:55,578
And his own great support
for the empire.
571
00:36:55,589 --> 00:36:58,673
Successor clement attlee
and his labour party
572
00:36:58,750 --> 00:37:01,501
Have a radically
different vision.
573
00:37:01,511 --> 00:37:04,262
Elected on a radical
social welfare manifesto,
574
00:37:04,389 --> 00:37:09,509
Resources are reallocated from
the empire to rebuild britain,
575
00:37:09,519 --> 00:37:14,931
But future decolonization
will not be so easily achieved.
576
00:37:14,942 --> 00:37:18,276
After years of monitoring
distant horizons,
577
00:37:18,362 --> 00:37:20,853
Britons will look homeward.
578
00:37:20,864 --> 00:37:23,698
Attlee's focus
will be on housing,
579
00:37:23,775 --> 00:37:26,201
Building
a national health service,
580
00:37:26,278 --> 00:37:28,611
And creating a welfare state.
581
00:37:28,622 --> 00:37:31,531
Clement attlee:
The labour party's great victory
582
00:37:31,541 --> 00:37:36,711
Shows that the country is ready
for a new policy
583
00:37:36,788 --> 00:37:39,464
To face new world conditions.
584
00:37:41,126 --> 00:37:43,718
Narrator: The shift means
an abrupt change in policy
585
00:37:43,795 --> 00:37:45,387
Towards india.
586
00:37:45,463 --> 00:37:50,633
Attlee and his government
want to get out, and quickly.
587
00:37:50,644 --> 00:37:55,480
Independence is
within india's reach.
588
00:37:55,557 --> 00:38:00,151
Gandhi's dream is an independent
and united country.
589
00:38:02,239 --> 00:38:07,233
But india's 42 million muslims,
led by muhammad ali jinnah,
590
00:38:07,244 --> 00:38:09,327
Want their own state.
591
00:38:09,454 --> 00:38:12,488
Jawaharlal nehru wants
to protect the interests
592
00:38:12,499 --> 00:38:16,334
Of 270 million hindus.
593
00:38:16,411 --> 00:38:19,921
The sides cannot agree
on a form of united government,
594
00:38:19,998 --> 00:38:22,090
And tensions rise.
595
00:38:22,167 --> 00:38:30,173
♪
596
00:38:30,183 --> 00:38:34,352
In 1946, with india about
to come apart at the seams,
597
00:38:34,429 --> 00:38:41,359
British businessman arthur wise
films as conditions deteriorate.
598
00:38:41,528 --> 00:38:43,519
Avid cameraman arthur
is a manager
599
00:38:43,530 --> 00:38:46,364
For a british conglomerate.
600
00:38:46,491 --> 00:38:48,366
He and his family
live comfortably
601
00:38:48,452 --> 00:38:52,620
On harrington street
in calcutta.
602
00:38:52,697 --> 00:38:54,706
He shares his home
with his wife ivy,
603
00:38:54,783 --> 00:38:58,043
His daughters,
and the household servants.
604
00:39:00,538 --> 00:39:03,631
When gandhi forms a commission
to work towards peace,
605
00:39:03,708 --> 00:39:06,384
Arthur is asked to join
as an intermediary
606
00:39:06,461 --> 00:39:10,388
Between hindus and muslims.
607
00:39:10,599 --> 00:39:14,467
Arthur is
the only european member.
608
00:39:14,478 --> 00:39:17,637
And when gandhi takes
center stage at a local rally,
609
00:39:17,647 --> 00:39:20,273
Arthur is there with his camera.
610
00:39:22,060 --> 00:39:25,144
But gandhi is unable
to keep the peace.
611
00:39:25,155 --> 00:39:30,733
[shouting]
612
00:39:30,744 --> 00:39:33,569
Sectarian violence
between hindus and muslims
613
00:39:33,580 --> 00:39:36,081
Breaks out in calcutta.
614
00:39:38,668 --> 00:39:42,578
Arthur's unflinching camera
films what comes to be known
615
00:39:42,589 --> 00:39:45,298
As the great calcutta killings.
616
00:39:53,508 --> 00:39:57,352
In three days of riots
between hindu and muslim,
617
00:39:57,429 --> 00:40:00,438
5,000 die.
618
00:40:00,524 --> 00:40:03,441
But in the aftermath
of a fading empire,
619
00:40:03,518 --> 00:40:05,360
There will be worse to come.
620
00:40:07,272 --> 00:40:08,863
After his success in burma,
621
00:40:08,940 --> 00:40:11,783
The new labour government
names lord louis mountbatten
622
00:40:11,860 --> 00:40:17,029
As the viceroy of india
in February 1947.
623
00:40:17,040 --> 00:40:18,623
He will be its last.
624
00:40:18,700 --> 00:40:20,116
He's charged with organizing
625
00:40:20,127 --> 00:40:23,002
A rapid british withdrawal
from india.
626
00:40:26,716 --> 00:40:29,384
Prime minister attlee
advises mountbatten
627
00:40:29,461 --> 00:40:32,470
To keep india united
if you can;
628
00:40:32,547 --> 00:40:34,881
If not, save something
from the wreck.
629
00:40:34,891 --> 00:40:38,143
In any case, get britain out.
630
00:40:41,148 --> 00:40:45,475
The hindu and muslim factions
are increasingly hostile.
631
00:40:45,485 --> 00:40:47,986
Negotiations break down.
632
00:40:48,062 --> 00:40:52,824
The lone solution appears to be
partition along religious lines.
633
00:40:54,578 --> 00:40:57,745
At midnight
on August the 14th, 1947,
634
00:40:57,822 --> 00:41:01,499
New states are to take form--
635
00:41:01,585 --> 00:41:05,661
Hindu india and muslim pakistan.
636
00:41:05,672 --> 00:41:08,673
As gandhi's dream
of a united india collapses,
637
00:41:08,750 --> 00:41:13,344
He spends time
in seclusion and prayer.
638
00:41:13,421 --> 00:41:18,841
Throughout the country,
the deadline unleashes chaos.
639
00:41:18,852 --> 00:41:24,180
Millions of muslim refugees
are forced to flee to pakistan.
640
00:41:24,191 --> 00:41:28,026
Millions of hindus
flee the other way.
641
00:41:28,102 --> 00:41:32,530
Enraged, both sides
kill each other.
642
00:41:32,699 --> 00:41:34,449
Vengeance is all.
643
00:41:34,526 --> 00:41:38,536
♪
644
00:41:38,622 --> 00:41:41,539
The violence claims
up to two million lives
645
00:41:41,616 --> 00:41:45,868
And displaces 14 million people.
646
00:41:45,879 --> 00:41:48,922
Tensions have persisted
ever since.
647
00:41:51,384 --> 00:41:52,717
Within two weeks
of independence,
648
00:41:52,794 --> 00:41:54,126
Lord and lady mountbatten
649
00:41:54,137 --> 00:41:56,554
Are bidding farewell
to british troops,
650
00:41:56,631 --> 00:41:59,891
Thousands of whom
begin departing.
651
00:41:59,968 --> 00:42:05,146
With violence ongoing,
the british leave.
652
00:42:05,223 --> 00:42:06,564
After almost 200 years,
653
00:42:06,641 --> 00:42:11,569
The jewel is gone
from britain's imperial crown.
654
00:42:11,738 --> 00:42:14,572
It's a story of upheaval
that will repeat itself
655
00:42:14,741 --> 00:42:17,075
Throughout the empire.
656
00:42:17,151 --> 00:42:19,577
In the future,
even former colonies
657
00:42:19,704 --> 00:42:21,746
That maintain
their connections to britain
658
00:42:21,823 --> 00:42:24,165
Will do so on an equal footing.
659
00:42:27,712 --> 00:42:31,747
In late 1953, newly crowned
queen elizabeth ii
660
00:42:31,758 --> 00:42:36,586
Reaches the pacific on
her extensive tour of the world.
661
00:42:36,596 --> 00:42:37,837
[cheering]
662
00:42:37,847 --> 00:42:40,256
The young monarch
is on an epic mission
663
00:42:40,267 --> 00:42:43,342
To turn an empire
into a commonwealth,
664
00:42:43,353 --> 00:42:46,771
A collection of independent
but allied states.
665
00:42:48,933 --> 00:42:51,025
The tiny pacific island
of tonga
666
00:42:51,102 --> 00:42:54,687
Is a colonial protectorate,
loyal to the crown,
667
00:42:54,698 --> 00:42:56,689
And its financial
and foreign affairs
668
00:42:56,700 --> 00:42:58,858
Are run by britain.
669
00:42:58,868 --> 00:43:01,452
Queen salote
greets queen elizabeth
670
00:43:01,529 --> 00:43:03,329
And her husband prince philip.
671
00:43:07,368 --> 00:43:10,128
That evening,
they sit down on the ground
672
00:43:10,204 --> 00:43:14,048
To eat a traditional
tongan roast pork banquet.
673
00:43:16,711 --> 00:43:23,308
[singing]
674
00:43:24,728 --> 00:43:27,303
[ship horn blows]
675
00:43:27,314 --> 00:43:31,223
Six weeks later, the queen
arrives in sydney, australia,
676
00:43:31,234 --> 00:43:35,227
One of the seven original
commonwealth members.
677
00:43:35,238 --> 00:43:38,564
Again, huge crowds turn out
to greet them.
678
00:43:38,575 --> 00:43:40,149
[cheering]
679
00:43:40,160 --> 00:43:43,161
Although tonga and australia
are happy to evolve
680
00:43:43,237 --> 00:43:45,821
Their relations
with britain peacefully,
681
00:43:45,832 --> 00:43:50,251
Other colonies gain independence
through violence,
682
00:43:50,328 --> 00:43:52,670
And no amount of royal visits
will prevent them
683
00:43:52,747 --> 00:43:55,923
From descending
into bloody battles.
684
00:43:59,012 --> 00:44:01,262
Newscaster: Flames consume
the great aik hoe rubber factory
685
00:44:01,339 --> 00:44:03,506
In singapore,
marked for sabotage
686
00:44:03,516 --> 00:44:07,426
In recently captured plans
of the malayan communist party.
687
00:44:07,437 --> 00:44:11,347
Narrator: Since 1948,
a communist uprising in malaya,
688
00:44:11,358 --> 00:44:15,943
Now malaysia,
has tried to get the empire out.
689
00:44:16,020 --> 00:44:18,696
This attack is just one
in a worldwide chain
690
00:44:18,773 --> 00:44:22,024
Of uprisings against britain.
691
00:44:22,035 --> 00:44:24,860
Malays crave independence.
692
00:44:24,871 --> 00:44:28,447
The communists crave control.
693
00:44:28,458 --> 00:44:32,710
A deployment of 40,000
british troops stops the reds,
694
00:44:32,787 --> 00:44:36,381
Killing 6,000 insurgents.
695
00:44:36,457 --> 00:44:38,216
[cheering]
696
00:44:38,292 --> 00:44:43,554
But a non-communist malaya
gains independence in 1957.
697
00:44:45,892 --> 00:44:49,560
Colony upon colony rebels.
698
00:44:49,637 --> 00:44:53,472
Britain has ruled resource-rich
kenya, in east africa,
699
00:44:53,483 --> 00:44:56,475
Since 1895.
700
00:44:56,486 --> 00:45:00,571
In the 1950s, an insurgent group
called the mau mau
701
00:45:00,648 --> 00:45:02,231
Make vicious and lethal attacks
702
00:45:02,242 --> 00:45:05,985
On white farmers
and their families.
703
00:45:05,995 --> 00:45:07,578
To protect the settlers
704
00:45:07,655 --> 00:45:10,832
And its revenues from
kenyan coffee and livestock,
705
00:45:10,908 --> 00:45:15,244
The empire strikes back
with disproportionate force,
706
00:45:15,255 --> 00:45:18,256
Killing thousands.
707
00:45:18,332 --> 00:45:23,836
Imperial might prevails,
for the moment.
708
00:45:23,847 --> 00:45:29,016
But the empire's days
are numbered.
709
00:45:29,093 --> 00:45:33,354
[cheering and applause]
710
00:45:33,431 --> 00:45:37,016
In February 1960,
prime minister harold macmillan
711
00:45:37,026 --> 00:45:43,272
Acknowledges reality in his now
famous appearance at cape town.
712
00:45:43,283 --> 00:45:44,782
Harold macmillan:
The wind of change
713
00:45:44,951 --> 00:45:47,785
Is blowing
through this continent.
714
00:45:47,996 --> 00:45:50,788
Whether we like it or not,
715
00:45:50,915 --> 00:45:53,699
This growth
of national consciousness
716
00:45:53,710 --> 00:45:56,794
Is a political fact.
717
00:45:57,005 --> 00:46:00,047
We must all accept it as a fact,
718
00:46:00,124 --> 00:46:02,967
And our national policies
must take account of it.
719
00:46:05,630 --> 00:46:09,015
Narrator: The prime minister's
remarks signal a new era.
720
00:46:11,394 --> 00:46:12,468
[cheering]
721
00:46:12,479 --> 00:46:15,054
In the 1960s,
starting with nigeria,
722
00:46:15,064 --> 00:46:17,732
The union flag
comes down for good
723
00:46:17,809 --> 00:46:20,485
In 24 british colonies.
724
00:46:20,561 --> 00:46:23,395
[applause]
725
00:46:23,406 --> 00:46:26,574
The queen's mission is realized
as the former colonies
726
00:46:26,651 --> 00:46:31,737
Voluntarily become members
of the commonwealth of nations,
727
00:46:31,748 --> 00:46:33,072
An organization which promotes
728
00:46:33,082 --> 00:46:36,834
Maintaining economic
and social links,
729
00:46:36,911 --> 00:46:38,961
Rather than crown rule.
730
00:46:41,749 --> 00:46:45,835
Britain's centuries of
imperial ambition and dominance
731
00:46:45,845 --> 00:46:47,845
Have come to an end.
732
00:46:47,922 --> 00:46:50,932
The legacy of those centuries
is mixed--
733
00:46:51,008 --> 00:46:53,851
Extensive infrastructure,
734
00:46:54,062 --> 00:46:57,763
Anglicanism
as a worldwide faith,
735
00:46:57,774 --> 00:47:01,100
English as a lingua franca,
736
00:47:01,110 --> 00:47:04,946
But also a legacy
of subjugated peoples,
737
00:47:05,022 --> 00:47:09,784
Economic exploitation,
and cultural repression.
738
00:47:09,861 --> 00:47:15,030
The effects of the empire
will be a long time fading.
739
00:47:15,041 --> 00:47:18,117
As the empire's territory
dwindles in the sixties,
740
00:47:18,127 --> 00:47:21,871
A vivid cosmopolitan
british culture is emerging.
741
00:47:21,881 --> 00:47:23,372
[cheering]
742
00:47:23,383 --> 00:47:27,301
Across the globe, there is
a new kind of british invasion.
743
00:47:27,378 --> 00:47:29,962
Bands like the beatles
and the rolling stones
744
00:47:29,973 --> 00:47:31,556
Rock the world.
745
00:47:31,632 --> 00:47:32,640
[screaming]
746
00:47:33,977 --> 00:47:36,385
The miniskirt,
symbol of swinging london,
747
00:47:36,396 --> 00:47:39,814
Rules high fashion
and the street.
748
00:47:39,891 --> 00:47:44,476
Fictional british agent
james bond fills movie theaters.
749
00:47:44,487 --> 00:47:46,061
[screaming]
750
00:47:46,072 --> 00:47:50,408
And in 1966, the queen hands
England's victorious soccer team
751
00:47:50,484 --> 00:47:51,909
The world cup.
752
00:47:52,036 --> 00:47:52,994
[cheering]
753
00:47:53,070 --> 00:47:56,539
A cooler britannia
rules the waves.
63267
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