Emotions are not universal, but are experienced and expressed differently across cultures and times. Jane Lydon examines how emotions were used to justify, advance or contest imperialism by creating relationships between British subjects across the globe, but also by excluding specific groups.
The book examines the interconnected histories of British anti-slavery efforts and Australian colonization, suggesting that the colonization of Australasia played a crucial role in the emancipation of enslaved individuals in the Caribbean. It posits that while the anti-slavery movement influenced the Settler Revolution, the dynamics of colonization also shaped the broader imperial context of emancipation. This analysis offers a fresh perspective on both historical narratives, highlighting their mutual impact.