The strong resolve that the British displayed during World War II remains a prominent aspect of their national identity and is proudly displayed in their museums. In the British Imperial War Museum, several objects symbolize the sacrifice of ordinary British civilians. From the long boats that rescued soldiers from Dunkirk to the bomb shelters that became a part of everyday life, the Museum acknowledges that World War II was a people’s war. This tough national character is also exemplified by the British civilians who are still fortunate enough to share their experiences during the war, such as Micheal Handscomb. His recollection of the Blitz and his memory of the war helped from a civilian perspective made the war more personal and real. When Handscomb recalled what it was like after France surrendered, I was able to gain a better sense of Britain’s overall mindset on resisting the Nazi war machine. After listening to him speak, I developed a greater appreciation for the British people and their strength of will as they faced an enemy who at that point in time appeared to be invincible. Handscomb’s firsthand account exemplified the British strength and helped me make real connections from the present to World War II.
The British Museums and eye-witness accounts like Mr. Handscomb, generate an image of the British characterized by admirable resilience and determination rooted in their experience from World War II. However, the British also perpetuate the controversial aspect of their imperial legacy. The British Museum embodies this imperial pride and historical traditional of the British Empire and is a symbol of the power they exerted all over the world for centuries. The fact that the British government refuses to return these artifacts to their place of origin makes it seem that the British willingly choose to ignore some of the controversial aspects as to how some of these pieces were acquired by them in the first place. For instance, the Rosetta Stone should be readily available to the Egyptian people because it is an Egyptian artifact that is a part of their history. On the other hand, the museum itself supports the national identity of the British people and represents the powerful position Great Britain has held since its creation. It helps reinforce the idea that the British hold onto tradition and demonstrate their nationalistic pride to the rest of the world.
This conflict between the international community and the British is a complex situation with no simple solution. The British will not return all the artifacts because in doing so they would be acting in a way that is contrary to their national character. Essentially, the British would yield to an outside influence and in doing so would betray their own self-image of power. The different ways national identities were affected by World War II and how certain conflicts today connect with this period in history demonstrates the continual relevance of World War II and imperialism in modern society.