First published in 1984. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First published in 1984. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Taking colonial policy towards West Africa as a case study, Butler shows that, during the 1940s, the Colonial Office evolved a policy of encouraging colonial industry as part of a broad programme of development intended to prepare colonies for independence.

British colonial rule of the tropics is the critical background to contemporary development issues. This study of Britain's economic and political relationship with its tropical colonies provides detailed analyses of trade and policy. The considerations of past successes and failures elucidate current opportunities and developments. No other book covers this broad topic with such detail and clarity.