1 00:00:01,785 --> 00:00:03,293 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. 3 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, 6 00:00:15,141 --> 00:00:19,059 The british empire controls a quarter of the earth's land 7 00:00:19,228 --> 00:00:23,305 And almost 500 million people-- 8 00:00:23,315 --> 00:00:27,067 In africa, the far east, 9 00:00:27,278 --> 00:00:30,404 And india, the jewel in the crown. 10 00:00:32,316 --> 00:00:37,161 On this empire, it's said, the sun never sets. 11 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. 21 00:01:17,953 --> 00:01:22,364 This is the british empire as you've never seen it before. 22 00:01:22,374 --> 00:01:33,458 ♪ 23 00:01:33,469 --> 00:01:37,971 ♪ 24 00:01:38,048 --> 00:01:40,557 Princess elizabeth: ...Shall be devoted to your service... 25 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. 28 00:01:52,738 --> 00:01:55,155 In this rare film, queen victoria, 29 00:01:55,232 --> 00:01:56,740 Seated in the left corner, 30 00:01:56,817 --> 00:01:59,484 Reviews the british army's senior regiment, 31 00:01:59,495 --> 00:02:04,164 The life guards, at windsor. 32 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, 34 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, 36 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. 39 00:02:27,690 --> 00:02:30,182 Cameramen from the warwick trading company 40 00:02:30,192 --> 00:02:33,518 Will follow the action. 41 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. 43 00:02:41,695 --> 00:02:45,363 For this campaign, the empire musters 400,000 men 44 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 49 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 53 00:03:19,575 --> 00:03:22,242 On the edge of boer territory, 54 00:03:22,328 --> 00:03:24,161 Is some of the earliest surviving footage 55 00:03:24,238 --> 00:03:27,247 From a war zone. 56 00:03:27,333 --> 00:03:31,668 The empire expects a rapid victory. 57 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. 59 00:03:39,253 --> 00:03:45,432 ♪ 60 00:03:45,509 --> 00:03:47,601 The war turns ugly, 61 00:03:47,678 --> 00:03:50,854 Costing 22,000 imperial troops 62 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, 64 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, 69 00:04:14,621 --> 00:04:17,872 Which are overcrowded and filthy. 70 00:04:17,883 --> 00:04:22,377 26,000 boer civilians die in them, 71 00:04:22,388 --> 00:04:25,889 And 12,000 local africans in boer territory 72 00:04:25,966 --> 00:04:28,717 Suffer the same fate. 73 00:04:28,727 --> 00:04:32,312 But the public at home never sees images like these. 74 00:04:32,398 --> 00:04:36,316 ♪ 75 00:04:36,485 --> 00:04:38,652 In 1902, troops leave south africa 76 00:04:38,729 --> 00:04:43,907 As the boers surrender their land to the british. 77 00:04:43,984 --> 00:04:45,325 It's the final colony 78 00:04:45,494 --> 00:04:48,120 That the empire will secure through conflict. 79 00:04:50,499 --> 00:04:53,750 Crowds in london welcome the city volunteers home. 80 00:04:53,827 --> 00:04:55,660 [applause] 81 00:04:55,671 --> 00:04:57,337 South africa brings new wealth 82 00:04:57,548 --> 00:05:02,759 To an empire already enjoying the riches of india. 83 00:05:02,836 --> 00:05:10,017 ♪ 84 00:05:10,093 --> 00:05:15,605 It's known as the raj, sanskrit for "ruler." 85 00:05:15,682 --> 00:05:19,359 Britain has run things here since the mid 18th century, 86 00:05:19,436 --> 00:05:21,445 First through the east india company 87 00:05:21,521 --> 00:05:25,365 And, since the 1850s, by direct crown rule. 88 00:05:29,696 --> 00:05:33,865 Home to 250 million people and rich in natural resources, 89 00:05:33,876 --> 00:05:37,502 India is called britain's jewel in the crown. 90 00:05:39,298 --> 00:05:43,792 In 1911, new british king george v and queen mary 91 00:05:43,802 --> 00:05:45,126 Visit delhi. 92 00:05:45,137 --> 00:05:46,803 [cheering] 93 00:05:46,880 --> 00:05:47,629 In a durbar, 94 00:05:47,639 --> 00:05:49,964 Persian for grand meeting, 95 00:05:49,975 --> 00:05:53,143 The king becomes emperor of india. 96 00:05:55,147 --> 00:05:58,306 No expense is spared. 97 00:05:58,317 --> 00:06:03,403 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. 100 00:06:10,737 --> 00:06:17,084 ♪ 101 00:06:17,160 --> 00:06:20,912 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. 104 00:06:34,010 --> 00:06:36,436 The king accepts expressions of fealty 105 00:06:36,513 --> 00:06:38,522 From nearly every indian noble 106 00:06:38,598 --> 00:06:41,766 And thousands of the country's gentry. 107 00:06:41,777 --> 00:06:48,448 ♪ 108 00:06:48,617 --> 00:06:51,785 In deference, each bows three times, 109 00:06:51,862 --> 00:06:53,528 Taking care not to give offense 110 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, 113 00:07:08,545 --> 00:07:11,805 And, it is said, laughs. 114 00:07:11,882 --> 00:07:15,967 ♪ 115 00:07:15,978 --> 00:07:19,304 The incident makes headlines at home. 116 00:07:19,314 --> 00:07:26,060 ♪ 117 00:07:26,071 --> 00:07:29,948 The prince apologizes, pleading nervous confusion. 118 00:07:32,986 --> 00:07:38,323 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, 120 00:07:41,753 --> 00:07:44,746 Maharaja of baroda, a knighthood. 121 00:07:44,756 --> 00:07:49,926 ♪ 122 00:07:50,003 --> 00:07:53,180 The empire needs to keep india onside. 123 00:07:55,726 --> 00:07:58,593 Britain recruits thousands of indian soldiers, 124 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. 126 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. 128 00:08:14,528 --> 00:08:19,539 ♪ 129 00:08:19,666 --> 00:08:21,958 In November 1915, newsmen, 130 00:08:22,035 --> 00:08:24,786 Including geoffrey malins, shown here, 131 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 155 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 157 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. 171 00:10:44,678 --> 00:10:51,599 ♪ 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 00:11:55,331 --> 00:11:58,758 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.