Berg - Small Island, Big History: Essays On the British Empire

Randy Carter

Your 10 th grade World history class changed the course of my life. I know we dont talk about it much but youve had a tremendous impact on my life. You gave me what I so desperately needed at that time a strong role model and example in and out of the classroom. As a college professor, I have done my best to emulate you in the classroom but I still have not summoned the courage to dress up as Robin Hood! And I will never forget the time you dry-fired a Revolutionary period musket in class and the panic that soon followed as students rushed to open the windows to let the smoke out! I sat there, stunned in disbelief, but mesmerized by the whole spectacle. I treasure those memories and I hope you know how lucky each and every student who passes through your class is. Im truly honored to have had you as a teacher and feel blessed to have you as my friend and mentor. God bless you Randy.

Wade L. Collier, M.D.

Where do I begin Wade! I owe you more personally and professionally than I could ever hope to repay. You have been there throughout my growing pains and have counseled me honestly and wisely. And, outside of my mother who faithfully read every page of this manuscript, you not only read it once but twice with a critical eye to details I had overlooked. Much of the polishing of this book is due to your efforts. The decision to study history exclusively was not entirely my own; our many discussions about my growing passion for history helped me change my course of studies from pre-med to history. Your door has always been open to me and you and Carol have always been gracious hosts when we spent cold nights charting the course of the stars in the heavens or when I had a pressing matter that I needed to discuss with you. I hope we continue our tradition of having stimulating conversations over lunch at Panera Bread for many years to come.

M. Todd Smallwood, Ph.D.

If not for you, I would never have been accepted into New College or graduate school. You inspired me from day one when I took my first Western Civilization survey course with you. I enjoyed your class so much that I took every other history, political science, and geography course you taught (and MCC offered) and you nominated me for an award in recognition of my academic achievements. What I remember most are the stories you told. Your swim in the Dead Sea (and the painful week following it), researching your dissertation in Prince Metternichs library, your time in Bahrain and your eventual transfer to Nigeria that prompted your early retirement from Chase Manhattan. Thank you for always making time to read a paper (the Gypsies come to mind) and offer helpful feedback. I try to mirror those same professional qualities as a college history professor.

Melanie Shaw, Ph.D.

I could not have chosen a better doctoral mentor if I tried! Simply put, you are an amazing faculty member and scholar. You have rekindled not only my passion for history but for sharing my love of history and education with others through writing and publishing. Your constant encouragement has not only made my educational journey more bearable but also professionally and personally satisfying. This book would not have been possible without your assistance and stewardship in its promotion. You are gracious and kind, Melanie, and it has been a pleasure to be mentored by you and to work alongside you as a colleague. I look forward to working closely with you in the futur e

My SHSU History Faculty Members

Ty Cashion, Ph.D.

I am proud to say that I studied with you, Ty. Your writing skills are truly incredible and I count myself lucky to have benefited from your discerning eye. I believe I am a better writer because of you. In my opinion, you are a living example of what a scholar-teacher should be. Thank you for being available when I had an inconvenient request and the many recommendation letters you wrote on my behalf. I truly stand in awe of your command of the English language and am reminded of you often when I consult Strunk & Whites Elements of Style for literary guidance.

Nicholas C.J. Pappas, Ph.D.

I still believe that you are one of the most well-rounded history professors I have met. I took nearly half of my graduate program with you and studied everything from ancient military history to the Cold War. The courses you offered rivaled those at any major research institution and I believe I could not have received a better history education than the one I did with you. Thank you for all the support you gave at critical moments and for chairing my comprehensive committee. I can honestly say I miss your classes Nick.

James S. Olson, Ph.D.

My first class at Sam Houston was with you and it was one of the most eye-opening experiences a history student can have. That specialized course, History as Biography, led to my first publication a biographical analysis on Ben Franklin for a volume you edited. Since then, you have faithfully helped me along the way and wrote glowing recommendation letters upon graduation. Thank you, Dr. O., for giving a young history student the confidence to continue down his path.

Kenneth Hendrickson, Ph.D.

I can honestly say, I have never experienced such a crushing reading or writing load in a graduate history seminar. It was the only class I ever contemplated dropping but, in hindsight, I am grateful for the experience. I would never have seriously considered scholarly publication if you had not pushed me, and every other student, as hard as you did. This present book is a direct result of that seminar; may it serve as a warning to future students who wish to take HIS5389!

My Family & Parents

To my brother Nick and my sisters Jordan and Katelin: thank you for always believing in me even if you didnt understand how I could still be in school after all these years!

To my parents, Jeff and Melody, who have vicariously read and heard more about history than they ever bargained for.

My dad not only provided the financial assistance necessary for graduate school but he did so with a smile. He carried some of the burden so that I could focus on the task at hand. It made all the difference. My father is an intellectual giant who instilled in me a love of knowledge and the pursuit of wisdom. I have not met a person as well read as you or who can thoughtfully discuss subjects as broad as aviation and baseball to theology and politics. You have been a strong guiding force in my life and have helped me grow into the man I am. Thank you for always supporting me and believing in my dream.

You deserve special mention, mom, for reading nearly all of my work to give me a lay persons perspective on my writing. Thank you for always having something constructive to say even when you found something boring. One of the greatest compliments youve given me is that I make history interesting and fun, something you never thought possible after your disastrous experience growing up. This book has special significance, too, because my first book was selected by the local high schools drama club as their featured production in elementary school. I have come a long way and you have been there every step of the way. This book is dedicated, with love and gratitude, to you and dad.