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Paper and the British Empire: The Story of a Transformative Material

Branden Simmons

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Published in Paper And The British Empire: The Quest For Imperial Raw Materials 1861 1960 (Routledge Explorations In Economic History)

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Paper has been an essential part of human civilization for centuries. It has been used to record history, spread knowledge, and communicate ideas. The British Empire was one of the largest and most powerful empires in history, and paper played a vital role in its success.

The Importance of Paper to the British Empire

Paper was used for a wide variety of purposes in the British Empire. It was used to create maps, charts, and other navigational aids. It was used to write letters, reports, and other official documents. It was also used to print books, newspapers, and other publications.

Paper and the British Empire: The Quest for Imperial Raw Materials, 1861–1960 (Routledge Explorations in Economic History)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	1250 KB
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Print length	:	176 pages

Paper was so important to the British Empire that it was often referred to as the "lifeblood of the empire." Without paper, the empire would not have been able to function effectively. It would have been much more difficult to communicate with distant outposts, to keep track of trade and commerce, and to spread British culture and values.

The Paper Trade in the British Empire

The British Empire was a major consumer of paper. In the 18th century, Britain imported more paper than any other country in the world. The majority of this paper came from Europe, but some was also produced in the colonies. Britain also developed a number of paper mills of its own.

The paper trade was a major source of revenue for the British government. In the 18th century, the government imposed a tax on paper imports. This tax helped to finance the British military and the war effort. It also helped to protect the British paper industry from foreign competition.

The Impact of Paper on the British Empire

Paper had a profound impact on the British Empire. It made it possible to communicate over long distances, to keep track of trade and commerce, and to spread British culture and values. Paper also played a role in the development of science, technology, and education.

In the 19th century, the British Empire began to decline. This decline was due in part to the rise of new powers such as the United States and Germany. However, the decline of the empire was also due to the increasing availability of paper. As paper became more affordable, it became more difficult for the British to maintain their monopoly on information and communication.

The Legacy of Paper in the British Empire

The British Empire is long gone, but the legacy of paper lives on. Paper is still used for a wide variety of purposes today, and it continues to play an important role in communication, education, and commerce.

The story of paper and the British Empire is a fascinating one. It is a story of how a simple material can have a profound impact on the course of history.

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Paper and the British Empire: The Quest for Imperial Raw Materials, 1861–1960 (Routledge Explorations in Economic History)

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