The Shashi Tharoor Oxford Union Storm Of 2015

Violence and racism were the reality of the colonial experience and no wonder that
the sun never set on the british empire because even god couldn't trust the english
and the dark. By the end of the 19th century, the fact is that India was already
Britain’s biggest cash cow, the world's biggest purchaser of british goods and
exports, and the source of highly paid employment for British civil servants. We
literally paid for our own oppression. There was reference to democracy and rule
of law. Let me say with the greatest possible respect you can, it's a bit rich to
oppress, enslave, kill, torture maim people for 200 years and then celebrate the fact
that they're democratic at the end of it.

Deindustrialization of India

India's share of the world economy when Britain arrived on its shores was 23%. By
the time the British left it was down to below four percent. Why? simply because
india had been governed for the benefit of Britain. In Britain’s rise for 200 years
was financed by its depredations in India. In fact, Britain’s industrial revolution
was actually premised upon the deindustrialization of India. The handloom
weavers, for example famed across the world, whose products were exported
around the world, Britain came right in. there were actually these weavers making
fine muslin “light as woven air,” it was said. And Britain came right in, smashed
their thumbs, broke their looms imposed tariffs and duties on their clothing
products and started, of course, taking the raw materials from India and shipping
back manufactured cloth, flooding the world's markets with what became the
products of the dark and satanic mills of Victorian England. that meant that the
weavers in India became beggars and India went from being a world famous
exporter finished cloth into an importer. It went from having 27 percent of world
trade to less than 2 percent. Meanwhile, colonialists like Robert Clive bought their
rotten boroughs in England on the proceeds of their loot in India while taking the
hindi word “loot” into their dictionaries as well as their habits. And the British had
the gall to call him “Clive of India” as if he belonged to the country when all he
really did was to ensure that much of the country belonged to him. By the end of
the 19th century, the fact is that India was already Britain’s biggest cash cow, the
world's biggest purchaser of British goods and exports and the source of highly
paid employment for British civil servants. We literally paid for our own

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oppression. Between 15 and 29 million Indians died of starvation in British-
induced famines. The most famous example, of course, was the great Bengal
famine during the Second World War when four million people died because
Winston Churchill deliberately as a matter of written minute policy proceeded to
divert essential supplies from civilians in Bengal to sturdy Tommys and Europeans
as reserves stockpiles. He said that “the starvation of anywhere underfoot underfed
Bengalis mattered much less than that of sturdy Greeks.” This is Churchill’s actual
quote and when conscious-stricken British officials wrote to him pointing out that
people were dying because of this decision. He peevishly wrote in the margins of
the file, “Why hasn't Gandhi died yet?” So all notions that the British were trying
to do their colonial enterprise out of enlightened despotism (the exercise of
absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way) to try and bring the
benefits of colonialism and civilization to the benighted human, I’m sorry
Churchill’s conduct in 1943 is simply one example of many that gave a lie to this
myth. As others have said, and on the proposition violence and racism were the
reality of the colonial experience and no wonder that the sun never sets on the
british empire because even god couldn't trust the English and the dark.

World War 1

Well let me quantify world war one for you. One-sixth of all the British forces that
fought on the war were Indian. 54,000 Indians actually lost their lives in that war,
65,000 were wounded, another 4,000 remained missing or in prison. Indian
taxpayers had to cough up 100 million pounds in that times money. India supplied
70 million rounds of ammunition, 600,000 rifles and machine guns, 42 million
garments were stitched and sent out of India, and 1.3 million Indian personnel
served in this war. But not just that India had to supply 173,000 animals, 370
million tons of supplies and in the end the total value of everything that was taken
out of India and India by the way suffering from recession at that time and poverty
and hunger, was in today's money 8 billion pounds. You want quantification, it's
available.

Second World War, it was even worse. Two and a half million Indians in uniform
and I won't belabor the point but of Britain’s total war debt of three billion pounds
in 1945 money, 1.25 billion was owed to India and never actually paid. Railways
and roads were really built to serve British interests and not those of the local

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people but i might add that many countries have built railways and roads without
having had to be colonized in order to do so.

Reparations

They were designed to carry raw materials from the hinterland into the ports to be
shipped to Britain, and the fact is that the Indian or Jamaican or other colonial
public, their needs were incidental. Transportation, there was no attempt made to
match supply to demand for mass transport. None whatsoever. Instead, in fact, the
Indian railways were built with massive incentives offered by Britain to British
investors guaranteed out of Indian taxes paid by Indians with the result that you
actually had one mile of Indian railway costing twice what it cost to build the same
mile in Canada or Australia because there was so much money being paid in
extravagant returns. Britain made all the profits, control the technology, supplied
all the equipment, and absolutely all these benefits came as private enterprise,
British private enterprise, at public risk, Indian public risk. That was the railways
as an accomplishment. We were denied democracy Sir. We had to snatch it, seize it
from you. With the greatest reluctance it was conceded. In India’s case, after 150
years of British rule and that too with limited franchise. The British aid to India is
about 0.4 of India’s GDP. The government of India actually spends more on
fertilizer subsidies, which might be an appropriate metaphor for that argument. it's
been pointed out, for example, the dehumanization of Africans in the Caribbean,
the massive psychological damage that has been done, the undermining of social
traditions, of property rights, of the authority structures of these societies, all in the
interests of British colonialism. And, the fact remains that many of today's
problems in these countries including, the persistence, in some cases the creation
of racial and ethnic and religious tensions were the direct result of the colonial
experience. So there is a moral debt that needs to be paid. Someone challenged
reparations elsewhere. Well I’m sorry, Germany doesn't just give reparations to
Israel, it also gave reparations to Poland. Perhaps some of the speakers here are too
young to remember the dramatic picture of Chancellor Willy Brandt on his knees
in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1970. And, there are other examples. There is Italy’s
reparations to Libya. There’s Japan’s to Korea. Even Britain has paid reparations
to the New Zealand Maoris. So it's not as if this is something unprecedented or
unheard of that is going to somehow open some sort of nasty Pandora’s Box. The
fact is very simply, sir, that we are not talking about reparations as a tool to
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empower anybody they're a tool for you to atone for the wrongs that have been
done.

Conclusion

I am quite prepared to accept the proposition that you can't evaluate put a monetary
sum on the kinds of horrors people have suffered. Certainly, no amount of money
can expiate the loss of a loved one as somebody pointed out there. you're not going
to be able to figure out an exact amount. but the principle is what matters. the fact
is that to speak blithely of sacrifices on both sides as an analogy was used here: a
burglar comes into your house, ransacks the place, stubs his toe, and you say well
there was a sacrifice on both sides. That, I’m sorry to say, is not unacceptable is
not an acceptable argument. The truth is that we are not arguing specifically that
vast sums of money need to be paid. The proposition before this house is the
principle of owing reparations not the fine points of how much is owed, to whom it
should be paid. The question is there a debt? does Britain owe reparations? as far
as I’m concerned, the ability to acknowledge a wrong that has been done, to simply
say sorry, will go a far, far, far longer way than some percentage of GDP in the
form of aid. What is required, it seems to me is accepting the principle that
reparations are owed. Personally, I’d be quite happy if it was one pound a year, for
the next 200 years, after the last 200 years of Britain in India. thank you very
much, madam president.

1. Labour unions: Labour unions are organizations formed by workers to

protect their rights and interests. They negotiate with employers on behalf of
the workers to ensure better wages, benefits, working conditions, and job
security. They also help workers in case of disputes with employers,
including strikes, picketing, and other collective actions.

2. Formation of labour unions: Labour unions emerged in response to poor

working conditions, low wages, and lack of job security during the Industrial
Revolution. Workers came together to form unions to demand better
working conditions, wages, and job security. Unions used collective
bargaining to negotiate with employers for better pay, benefits, and working
conditions. They also engaged in strikes, boycotts, and other forms of
collective action to pressure employers to meet their demands.

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 3. Upper, middle, working class (masses): Society is usually divided into three
main classes: upper, middle, and working class. The upper class includes the
wealthiest and most powerful people in society. The middle class includes
professionals, managers, and other white-collar workers who have a higher
level of education and income than the working class. The working class,
also known as the masses, includes blue-collar workers who have low levels
of education and income.

4. Socialism: Socialism is a political and economic theory advocating for a

system of collective ownership and control of the means of production and
distribution of goods and services. It seeks to eliminate social and economic
inequality by ensuring that wealth and resources are distributed equally
among all members of society. Socialism aims to provide equal
opportunities and access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education,
and housing.

5. Difference between capitalism and socialism: Capitalism is an economic

system where private individuals or corporations own and control the means
of production and distribution of goods and services. In contrast, socialism
advocates for collective ownership and control of the means of production
and distribution of goods and services. In a capitalist system, individuals are
free to make economic decisions based on their self-interest, whereas in
socialism, the state or society as a whole makes decisions based on the
collective interest of all members.

6. Rise of America as superpower: The rise of America as a superpower can be

traced back to the end of World War II. The US emerged as the world's
dominant economic and military power due to its wartime industrial and
technological advancements. It became the leader of the Western world and
the primary counterbalance to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The
US also played a major role in shaping the post-war global economic order
through institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the
World Bank.

7. Position of USSR and US during World War II: During World War II, the
USSR and the US were on opposite sides of the conflict. The USSR was part

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 of the Allied Powers, along with the US, Great Britain, and other countries,
while Germany and Japan were part of the Axis Powers. The Soviet Union
suffered the most casualties during the war, with an estimated 27 million
people killed. The US played a major role in defeating Japan with its atomic
bomb, which led to Japan's surrender and the end of the war.

8. Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid

industrialization that occurred from the mid-18th to mid-19th century. It was
marked by significant advancements in manufacturing, transportation, and
communication technologies, which transformed the way goods were
produced and consumed. The Industrial Revolution led to the growth of
urbanization, the rise of capitalism, and significant social and economic
changes.

9. American Dream: The American Dream is a national ethos that is often

associated with the United States. It is the idea that anyone, regardless of
their social or economic background, can achieve success and prosperity
through hard work and determination.

Labour unions.

Labour unions, also known as trade unions, are organizations formed by workers to
protect their rights and interests. The primary purpose of labour unions is to
negotiate with employers on behalf of their members to ensure better wages,
benefits, working conditions, and job security.

Labour unions emerged during the Industrial Revolution in response to the poor
working conditions, low wages, and lack of job security experienced by workers in
factories and mines. Workers came together to form unions to demand better
working conditions, wages, and job security. Unions used collective bargaining to
negotiate with employers for better pay, benefits, and working conditions. They
also engaged in strikes, boycotts, and other forms of collective action to pressure
employers to meet their demands.

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Labour unions typically operate on a democratic basis, with members electing
leaders and representatives to negotiate with employers on their behalf. They also
provide support and services to their members, including legal representation, job
training, and other resources.

Labour unions have played a significant role in shaping the modern workplace and
improving the lives of workers. They have secured many of the benefits that
workers enjoy today, such as minimum wage laws, overtime pay, workplace safety
regulations, and the right to organize and collectively bargain.

However, labour unions have also faced criticism and opposition from employers
and some politicians, who argue that they are disruptive to business and economic
growth. Some employers have engaged in union-busting tactics to prevent workers
from organizing or to undermine the power of existing unions.

Despite these challenges, labour unions continue to play an important role in

protecting the rights and interests of workers and advocating for social and
economic justice.

Formation of labour unions

The formation of labour unions can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution,
which began in the late 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. During
this period, significant advancements were made in manufacturing, transportation,
and communication technologies, which transformed the way goods were
produced and consumed.

As factories and mines began to proliferate, workers were faced with poor working
conditions, low wages, and long hours. They often worked in unsafe and
unsanitary conditions, and had no job security or rights. Many workers were also
children, who were forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions.

Workers began to form unions in response to these conditions, with the earliest
unions emerging in Britain in the late 18th century. The first trade unions were
often small and local, consisting of workers in a particular industry or region. They

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were formed to demand better wages, working conditions, and job security from
employers.

One of the earliest and most successful labour unions was the Grand National
Consolidated Trades Union, which was formed in Britain in 1834. The union
brought together workers from different industries, including miners, weavers, and
ironworkers, and had over 500,000 members at its peak. However, the union was
short-lived, and it collapsed in 1835 after facing opposition from employers and
the government.

In the United States, labour unions began to emerge in the mid-19th century. The
first national labour union, the National Labor Union, was formed in 1866, and it
represented a broad range of workers, including both skilled and unskilled workers.
However, the union was short-lived, and it collapsed in the 1870s.

The American Federation of Labor (AFL), which was formed in 1886, became the
dominant labour organization in the US. It focused on representing skilled workers
in specific industries and trades, and it was successful in securing better wages,
benefits, and working conditions for its members.

In the 20th century, labour unions continued to grow and evolve, with the
formation of large international unions and the emergence of new types of unions,
such as public sector unions. Despite challenges and opposition from employers
and governments, labour unions continue to play an important role in protecting
the rights and interests of workers and advocating for social and economic justice.

Upper, middle, Working class (masses)

The concept of social class refers to a hierarchical system of social stratification

that is based on factors such as wealth, income, education, occupation, and social
status. In many societies, individuals are categorized into different social classes
based on these factors, and these classes are often defined as upper, middle, and
working class.

The upper class, also known as the elite or the aristocracy, is typically made up of
the wealthiest and most powerful individuals in society. They often hold

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significant amounts of wealth and assets, and they have a high level of social status
and influence. Members of the upper class may be involved in industries such as
finance, politics, and entertainment, and they often have access to exclusive
education, cultural events, and social networks.

The middle class is typically composed of individuals who hold middle-income

jobs and have achieved a moderate level of education and social status. Members
of the middle class may be professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or engineers, or
they may work in management, sales, or administrative positions. They often have
access to a range of consumer goods and services, and they may own homes and
other assets.

The working class, also known as the masses or the proletariat, is typically made
up of individuals who work in low-paying jobs, often with limited education and
opportunities for advancement. Members of the working class may work in
industries such as manufacturing, construction, or service jobs, and they often have
limited access to education, healthcare, and other resources. They may struggle to
make ends meet and may have limited social and political influence.

Social class is often a significant factor in determining an individual's life chances

and opportunities, and it can impact their access to resources, education,
healthcare, and other essential services. The relationship between social class and
other social factors, such as race, gender, and ethnicity, is complex and can vary
across societies and contexts.

Socialism

Socialism is a political and economic system that seeks to establish a more equal
and fair distribution of wealth, resources, and power in society. It is based on the
belief that the means of production and distribution of goods and services should
be owned and controlled by the workers or the community as a whole, rather than
by private individuals or corporations.

Under socialism, the government or the community takes on a larger role in

regulating the economy and providing social services such as healthcare,

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education, and housing. The goal of socialism is to eliminate or reduce the
inequalities that arise from a capitalist system, where wealth and power are
concentrated in the hands of a few.

Socialism has its roots in the socialist and communist movements of the 19th
century, and it has been implemented in various forms in different countries around
the world. The most well-known examples of socialist states include the former
Soviet Union, Cuba, China, and Venezuela.

There are different types of socialism, including democratic socialism, which seeks
to achieve socialist goals through democratic means, and Marxist socialism, which
seeks to establish a socialist society through a revolution of the working class.
Other forms of socialism include anarchist socialism, libertarian socialism, and
eco-socialism.

Socialism has been both praised and criticized for its potential to address social and
economic inequalities. Supporters of socialism argue that it can lead to a more
equal distribution of wealth, greater social mobility, and better access to essential
services for all members of society. Critics, on the other hand, argue that socialism
can stifle innovation and entrepreneurship, reduce individual freedom, and lead to
economic inefficiencies.

Today, socialism remains a topic of debate and discussion in many countries

around the world, with some advocating for a more socialist economic system
while others favor a more capitalist system with strong social safety nets.

Difference between capitalism and socialism

Capitalism and socialism are two different economic and political systems that
have different ways of organizing society and the economy. Here are some of the
key differences between capitalism and socialism:

1. Ownership of the means of production: In a capitalist system, the means of

production (such as factories, land, and resources) are typically owned by
private individuals or corporations. In a socialist system, the means of

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 production are owned and controlled by the government or the community
as a whole.

2. Distribution of wealth: In a capitalist system, wealth is distributed according

to the market forces of supply and demand, with those who provide goods
and services that are in high demand typically earning higher incomes. In a
socialist system, wealth is distributed more equally among all members of
society, with the goal of reducing inequalities.

3. Role of the government: In a capitalist system, the government's role is

typically limited to providing basic services and infrastructure, protecting
property rights, and regulating the market to ensure competition and prevent
monopolies. In a socialist system, the government plays a larger role in
regulating the economy and providing social services such as healthcare,
education, and housing.

4. Individual rights: In a capitalist system, individual rights such as property

rights and freedom of enterprise are highly valued, and individuals are free
to pursue their own interests and goals. In a socialist system, the collective
good is given greater priority over individual interests, and individual rights
may be limited in order to achieve social goals.

5. Incentives: In a capitalist system, incentives such as profit and competition

are important motivators for individuals and businesses to work hard and
innovate. In a socialist system, incentives may be different, with social goals
such as equality and the common good serving as motivators for individuals
to work hard and contribute to society.

These are some of the main differences between capitalism and socialism, but it's
important to note that there are many variations of each system and that different
countries have implemented different models of socialism and capitalism. Both
systems have their strengths and weaknesses, and the debate over which system is
better continues to be a topic of discussion in many countries around the world.

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Rise of America as superpower

The rise of America as a superpower can be traced back to several key events and
factors:

1. Industrialization: The United States underwent a period of rapid

industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which helped to
create a strong, modern economy and laid the foundation for future growth.

2. World War I and II: The United States emerged as a key player in both
World War I and II, and its contributions to these wars helped to establish it
as a global power. The United States also played a major role in the post-war
reconstruction of Europe through initiatives such as the Marshall Plan.

3. Cold War: The United States became a leader in the fight against
communism during the Cold War, and its military and economic power
helped to contain Soviet influence around the world.

4. Economic growth: The post-World War II period saw a period of sustained

economic growth in the United States, fueled by innovations in technology
and industry, as well as a large, educated workforce.

5. Global leadership: The United States became a leader in international

organizations such as the United Nations, and its diplomatic efforts helped to
resolve conflicts and promote peace and stability around the world.

6. Cultural influence: American culture, including music, movies, and

television, became popular around the world, helping to spread American
values and influence.

These factors, combined with the United States' strong military and economic
power, helped to establish it as a superpower in the 20th century. However, the
country also faced challenges and setbacks, including economic recessions, social
and political divisions, and conflicts such as the Vietnam War. The United States
continues to be a global superpower today, but it faces new challenges in a rapidly
changing world, including rising powers such as China and ongoing global
conflicts.

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Position of USSR and US during World War II

The USSR stands for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which was a federal
socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991.

During World War II, the USSR and the US were allies against Nazi Germany and
its allies. The USSR, led by Joseph Stalin, was invaded by Nazi forces in 1941,
leading to a brutal conflict that lasted until the Soviet victory in 1945. The US,
under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, provided significant
economic and military aid to the USSR, including weapons, supplies, and food.

The two countries had different political systems and ideologies, with the USSR
being a communist state and the US being a capitalist democracy. However, they
both recognized the importance of defeating Nazi Germany and worked together to
achieve this goal.

The US played a significant role in the war in the Pacific, fighting against Japan
and its allies. The US dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima
and Nagasaki in August 1945, leading to Japan's surrender and the end of World
War II.

After the war, tensions between the USSR and the US increased, leading to the
beginning of the Cold War. The two countries became rivals in a global struggle
for influence and power, leading to a series of proxy wars and arms races that
lasted for decades.

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic, social, and

technological change that took place in Europe and North America during the late
18th and early 19th centuries. It began in Britain around 1760 and lasted until
around 1840, although its effects continued to be felt for decades afterward.

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The Industrial Revolution was marked by a series of technological innovations that
transformed the way goods were produced. These innovations included the steam
engine, mechanized textile production, and the development of the factory system.
These changes led to a significant increase in productivity and output, as well as a
decrease in the cost of goods.

The Industrial Revolution also had a profound impact on society. It led to the
growth of cities and urbanization, as people moved from rural areas to work in
factories. The growth of industry and the factory system also led to the formation
of a new working class, which often worked long hours in difficult and sometimes
dangerous conditions.

The Industrial Revolution also had significant political and economic effects. It
helped to fuel the growth of capitalism, as entrepreneurs and investors sought to
profit from the new opportunities created by industrialization. It also contributed to
the rise of imperialism, as European powers sought to control resources and
markets around the world.

While the Industrial Revolution brought many benefits, it also had negative effects.
The growth of industry led to environmental damage and pollution, while the
working conditions in factories were often harsh and dangerous. The Industrial
Revolution also contributed to social and economic inequality, as the benefits of
industrialization were not evenly distributed.

Overall, the Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point in human

history, leading to unprecedented economic growth, technological innovation, and
social change.

American Dream

The American Dream is a concept that is often associated with the United States,
and refers to the idea that anyone, regardless of their background or social status,
can achieve success, prosperity, and upward mobility through hard work,
determination, and perseverance.

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The American Dream has its roots in the ideals of the United States' founding,
including the belief in individual liberty and opportunity. It has been celebrated in
American literature, music, and popular culture, and has been used to describe the
experiences of millions of immigrants who have come to the United States in
search of a better life.

The American Dream is often associated with economic success, including the
ability to own a home, start a business, or achieve financial security. However, it
also encompasses broader ideas of personal fulfillment, happiness, and freedom.

The American Dream has been the subject of much debate and critique. Critics
argue that it is a myth that ignores the structural inequalities and systemic barriers
that can prevent individuals from achieving success, particularly for marginalized
groups such as people of color and those from low-income backgrounds. Others
argue that the American Dream is a powerful motivator that has inspired
generations of Americans to work hard and pursue their dreams.

Despite its complexities, the American Dream remains a central part of American
culture and identity, and continues to inspire people from around the world to
pursue their goals and aspirations in the United States.

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