[kathy's]

Analyzing Benjamin Disraeli called India “the highest jewel in the British Crown.” What does he mean by this statement?

Thanks for your help!!!

[Mrs Faithorn]

kathy's, on Apr 14 2006, 10:45 PM, said:

Analyzing Benjamin Disraeli called India "the highest jewel in the British Crown." What does he mean by this statement?

Thanks for your help!!!

He meant that of all the lands possessed by Queen Victoria (=British Crown) India was the most valuable (=the highest jewel).

At this point in time (late C19th), the British Empire (ie colonies which Britain controlled) was vast and when all added together covered one quarter of the Earth's land mass. Disraeli was saying that out of all these colonies, the 'ownership' of India was the one which would bring Britain the greatest wealth. This is because India was (and is) rich in resources and has a huge population. Thus, it would bring Britain great wealth as a result of trade.

However, Disraeli also meant that India had a rich and varied culture and history of its own so that he saw it as a colony which Britain could be enormously proud of owning. In that sense too, it could be seen as "the highest jewel."

Is that all clear enough?

[kathy's]

Yes very much so my sis told me about this website and it is cool.. anways.. thanks oo here name is um.. rosable.. thanks .. I owe you one I had to wait like all day to get on this website cuz um.. we only have one computer so yeah
THANKSSSSSSSS

[Mrs Faithorn]

kathy's, on Apr 15 2006, 01:53 AM, said:

...... I owe you one I had to wait like all day to get on this website cuz um.. we only have one computer so yeah
THANKSSSSSSSS

Pleased to help. Sounds as if you and rosable will have to draw up a rota for using the computer.