Volume 50 in the series From Musket to Maxim 1815-1914. What enabled the British to build and maintain their empire? In 1914, the British had the largest empire in the world. The sun literally never set on their possessions. The empire was based on three strong pillars: British economic power, a mighty fleet and its multi-ethnic armies. The prosperity provided by British industry formed the backbone of British power. The fleet protected the arteries through which British products reached the world and through which the United Kingdom projected its power. But its wealth and strong navy did not allow England to guard the northwest frontier of India, march on Beijing or Ethiopia, or fight against enemies as diverse as the Sikhs, Maori and Zulus. In The British Empire's Regulars 18801914, the army and the men who conquered and held the empire are discussed in detail. In most books, these men are as anonymous as pawns on a chessboard. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the many different ethnic groups that served: Sikhs, Scots, Gurkhas, Ibos and many more are represented here. The work explains how each individual contributed to the Empire's polyglot armies. The book draws on sociological, governmental and historical sources and will appeal to readers interested in the British Empire and its armed forces, as well as to students and scholars of military sociology and history.
