#  HIST 58 The British Empire 

 





 Semester:   Fall 

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 Year offered:  2026 

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 Link: [Course Website](https://locator.tlt.harvard.edu/course/colgsas-125049/2026/fall/16912) 

 

 

 

Taught by Maya Jasanoff

Less than a century ago the British Empire ruled a quarter of the world. This course surveys the empire's extraordinary rise and fall from the American Revolution to World War II. Course presents a narrative of key events and personalities, introduces major concepts in the study of global history, and considers the empire's political and cultural legacies for the world today. Includes multimedia presentations, in-class discussion and debate, and engaging readings ranging from Niall Ferguson to Mahatma Gandhi.