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The British Empire
HIST 58

Course Information

Description

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.

Course Notes

This course meets the "Beyond North America" History Concentration requirement. Former course number "Hist 1024."

Class Notes

This class requires students to enroll in an untimed, placeholder section during registration and to submit time preferences.  Sections will be assigned immediately after registration based on student interest and preferences.

School Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Credits 4
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department History
Course Component Lecture
Subject History
Grading Basis FAS Letter Graded
Exam/Final Deadline Dec. 14, 2026
General Education N/A
Quantitative Reasoning with Data N/A
Divisional Distribution Social Sciences
Course Level Primarily for Undergraduate Students