An Alternative Imperialism: Isabella Tod, Internationalist and ‘Good Liberal Unionist’

Abstract

An Alternative Imperialism: Isabella Tod, Internationalist and 'Good Liberal Unionist' HELOISE BROWNThere was not one [of us] who did not feel the danger of war arising between this country and others, whether with some great military organisation like Russia … or whether it be one of those wretched little wars, as they were called, in which this country had been often engaged, threatening and overbearing races which we were pleased to think inferior to ourselves. 1

‘Nervous Energy and Administrative Ability’: The Early Lady Principals and Lady Superintendents in Ireland

“…In this, she worked closely with Isabella Tod (1836-1896), a leading activist in a number of social causes, including philanthropy, temperance, suffrage and education. 22 Byers also extended her role in education to include involvement at a very high profile level in temperance. Her commitment to the temperance cause was no doubt inspired by her father Andrew Morrow, a noted temperance activist.…”

Gendering the union: imperial feminism and the ladies’ land league

“…Until then, the 'Imperial Parliament' would continue its role of benevolent overseer. [63] Viewed in this context, the politics of suffrage in Ireland might have appeared in the eyes of many as little more than a means of reinforcing the imperial link. Suffragist belief in a partial franchise (based upon property qualifications which would have given the vote to Ascendancy women in far greater proportion than the native Irish) as a means of civilising the country was articulated by Mrs Maurice Dockrell, one of the first female local government councillors.…”

“…[8] The writings of cultural historians Antoinette Burton and Vron Ware deepen our understanding of what Heloise Brown has summarised as the extent to which 'nineteenth-century British feminism was international in its focus, overwhelmingly imperialist, and in many cases explicitly racist'. [9] A sense of responsibility for the imperial mission defined British feminism, particularly with the construction of women under imperial rule as the 'other', in need of salvation by their British sisters. Burton argues that Victorian feminists attempted to claim racial responsibility for the imperial nation-state, in order to legitimise their demands for citizenship in Britain.…”