'The Grit of Our Forefathers': Invented Traditions, Propaganda and Imperialism.

The article considers the idea of imperialism as part of the educational philosophy of private schools in Great Britain in the 19th and early 20th century, particularly within the schools known as endowed public schools. Those schools were thought by imperialists to develop the sort of individuals who had the virtues and skills required to be successful administrators of Great Britain's colonies. It is noted that the most successful heads of those public schools in that period were themselves avid imperialists and firm believers in the mission of developing future leaders of the colonies. The creation and commemoration of the national holiday Empire Day is examined for evidence of songs, ceremonies and other propaganda devices through which this belief was communicated to the public at large.