Imagine Frederick Lugard invading East Africa’s interior with a bunch of forms in his satchel, cajoling and forcing African leaders to cede their sovereignty to the company. This is how nineteenth century imperialism began across large areas of the world, with pens, papers, and guns. Lugard (later made a Lord) would become one of the most powerful men in the British Empire, including as the chief architect of what came to be known as “indirect rule.” He would also play a central role in the League of Nations created in the aftermath of World War I.