The Expansion Of England

The Expansion of England is a book by J. R. Seeley that discusses the history of England from the late eighteenth century to the mid-nineteenth century. Seeley believes that the study of history can provide a moral and intellectual foundation for modern political life, and uses the history of England to make predictions about the future. He is particularly concerned with the future of the British Empire, and believes that it is destined to remain the dominant power in the twentieth century. The book remains popular today, and is often quoted by historians.

J. R. Seeley (1834-1895) was Regius Professor of Modern History at Cambridge. He was concerned that classics and the study of the distant past were far too dominant at the university, and believed that the academic study of contemporary history could provide a moral and intellectual foundation for modern political life. The Expansion of England, first published in 1883 and based on his lectures, was his most successful book, remaining in print for over seventy years. He believed that the purpose of the study of history was to see patterns and tendencies which could be used to make predictions about the future. Foreseeing the rise of America and Russia as world powers, he wanted to ensure that the British Empire retained its position of dominance in the twentieth century, which he saw as its destiny. His clear arguments, and skill in writing often-quoted epigrams, ensured the book's continued popularity.