This, together with the companion volume, Innovation and Expansion, 1688-1914, provides an ambitious, new and comprehensive interpretation of the forces behind British imperial expansion. The books focus on the interaction of economic, social and political forces on the growth, and (here) the ultimate dissolution, of the Empire. Each volume can be used independently; together, they are a milestone in the history of imperialism, modern Britain and the British Empire itself, and they make an important contribution to comparative history, modern economic development and international relations. Key Features - Follows the fortunes of 'Gentlemanly Capitalism'-the now-widely-accepted concept, first introduced by the authors, that explains the economic dynamics behind Britain's imperial expansion - through the twentieth century into the post-colonial age. Challenges the common view of the period that decolonisation after 1945 was the inevitable outcome of economic decline between the wars. Argues that the gentlemanly order proved remarkably resilient and that when the Empire did fall apart, the forces of 'Gentlemanly Capitalism' in the City of London had simply diverted to other channels, not collapsed. It is aimed at specialists in the area of modern British history, European expansion/imperialism and international relations and the development of the modern world economy. It should also be of interest to serious but non-specialist commentators.