Full Answer
What is the British Empire?
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It originated with the overseas possessions and trading posts established by England between the late 16th and early 18th centuries.
When did Great Britain become the United Kingdom?
On 1 January 1801, the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland merged, which resulted in the creation of the United Kingdom . Queen Anne had ruled the Kingdom of England, the Kingdom of Scotland, and the Kingdom of Ireland since 8 March 1702.
What was the British Crown’s role in the British Empire?
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the British Crown began to assume an increasingly large role in the affairs of the Company.
How did the British Empire control its colonies?
Alongside the formal control that Britain exerted over its colonies, its dominance of much of world trade meant that it effectively controlled the economies of many regions, such as Asia and Latin America. [6] [7] Increasing degrees of autonomy were granted to its white settler colonies, some of which were reclassified as Dominions .
Who ruled the British Empire?
Fifteen of these, including the United Kingdom, retain a common monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II.
What countries did British rule?
Colonies, Protectorates, and MandatesCountryPre-independence name (different)Year of independence or first stageGrenadaGrenada, Windward Islands; UK-West Indies Associated State (WIAS)1974GuyanaBritish Guiana1966IndiaBritish India1947Iraq193255 more rows
Why did British Empire fall?
The Empire was overstretched and - combined with growing unrest in various colonies - this led to the swift and decisive fall of many of Britain's key assets, some diplomatically, some violently. In 1947 India became independent following a nonviolent civil-disobedience campaign spearheaded by Mahatma Gandhi.
Who colonized China?
Yes, China was colonized directly by Britain, Portugal, Russia, and China. Many other countries had control over trade in much of China.
How many countries left the British Empire?
In 1939, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand were the first to be given independence within the Commonwealth. Since then a total of 62 countries have gained independence from the United Kingdom.
How many countries did Britain invade?
22 nationsBritain has invaded almost 90 per cent of the world's countries in its history, barring only 22 nations, a new study has found. LONDON: Britain, which held sway over India for around 200 years, has invaded almost 90 per cent of the world's countries in its history, barring only 22 nations, a new study has found.
How many countries did the British Empire conquer?
The book stays true to its title and finds in a survey of 200 of the world's countries through that, in one shape or form, Great Britain has invaded all but 22 of them. That amounts to about 90 percent of the world's countries.
How many countries do British own?
The British Commonwealth is the former name of the Commonwealth of Nations, a 54-member humanitarian coalition of countries....List of Commonwealth Realms:Antigua and BarbudaAustraliaBahamasSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSolomon IslandsTuvalu2 more rows
What was the British Empire?
British Empire was a worldwide system of dependencies that was brought under the sovereignty of the crown of Great Britain and the administration o...
When did the British Empire begin?
The first tentative steps toward the establishment of the British Empire began with overseas settlements in the 16th century. Great Britain's marit...
Which sub-Saharan African country was the first to gain independence from the British Empire?
In 1957 the Gold Coast became the first sub-Saharan African colony of the British Empire to reach independence (as Ghana).
What was the last significant colony of the British Empire?
The last significant colony of the British Empire was Hong Kong. It was returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
Does the British Empire still exist today?
The British Empire does not exist today. However, the Commonwealth is a free association of sovereign states comprising the United Kingdom and many...
When did the British establish their empire?
The first tentative steps toward the establishment of the British Empire began with overseas settlements in the 16th century. Great Britain's maritime expansion accelerated in the 17th century and resulted in the establishment of settlements in North America and the West Indies. The East India Company began establishing trading posts in India in 1600, and the first permanent British settlement in Africa was made at James Island in the Gambia River in 1661.
What is the British Empire?
British Empire, a worldwide system of dependencies— colonies, protectorates, and other territories— that over a span of some three centuries was brought under the sovereignty of the crown of Great Britain and the administration of the British government. The policy of granting or recognizing significant degrees of self-government by dependencies, ...
What were the first colonies of the British?
By 1670 there were British American colonies in New England, Virginia, and Maryland and settlements in the Bermudas, Honduras, Antigua, Barbados, and Nova Scotia. Jamaica was obtained by conquest in 1655, and the Hudson’s Bay Company established itself in what became northwestern Canada from the 1670s on. The East India Company began establishing trading posts in India in 1600, and the Straits Settlements (Penang, Singapore, Malacca, and Labuan) became British through an extension of that company’s activities. The first permanent British settlement on the African continent was made at James Island in the Gambia River in 1661. Slave trading had begun earlier in Sierra Leone, but that region did not become a British possession until 1787. Britain acquired the Cape of Good Hope (now in South Africa) in 1806, and the South African interior was opened up by Boer and British pioneers under British control.
What were the colonies monopolies?
In accordance with the mercantilist philosophy of the time, the colonies were regarded as a source of necessary raw materials for England and were granted monopolies for their products, such as tobacco and sugar, in the British market.
How did the British control the colonies?
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the crown exercised control over its colonies chiefly in the areas of trade and shipping. In accordance with the mercantilist philosophy of the time, the colonies were regarded as a source of necessary raw materials for England and were granted monopolies for their products, such as tobacco and sugar, in the British market. In return, they were expected to conduct all their trade by means of English ships and to serve as markets for British manufactured goods. The Navigation Act of 1651 and subsequent acts set up a closed economy between Britain and its colonies; all colonial exports had to be shipped on English ships to the British market, and all colonial imports had to come by way of England. This arrangement lasted until the combined effects of the Scottish economist Adam Smith ’s Wealth of Nations (1776), the loss of the American colonies, and the growth of a free-trade movement in Britain slowly brought it to an end in the first half of the 19th century.
What act set up a closed economy between Britain and its colonies?
The Navigation Act of 1651 and subsequent acts set up a closed economy between Britain and its colonies; all colonial exports had to be shipped on English ships to the British market, and all colonial imports had to come by way of England.
What is the encyclopedia Britannica?
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. ... See Article History. Alternative Title: British Empire and Commonwealth.
Who was the Queen of England in 1702?
Coronations. ^ Queen Anne was crowned on 23 April 1702 when she was monarch of the Kingdom of England, the Kingdom of Scotland, and the Kingdom of Ireland. ^ King George I was crowned on 20 October 1714. ^ King George II was crowned on 11 October 1727 with Queen Caroline.
How many British monarchs are there?
There have been 12 British monarchs since the political union of the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland on 1 May 1707. England and Scotland had been in personal union since 24 March 1603. On 1 January 1801, the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland merged, which resulted in the creation of the United Kingdom ...
How long did Queen Anne rule?
She became monarch of the Kingdom of Great Britain after the political union of England and Scotland on 1 May 1707. Her total reign lasted for 12 years and 146 days. Queen Anne and King George I were second cousins as both were great-grandchildren of James I and VI. For a family tree that shows George I's relationship to Anne, see George I of Great Britain § Family tree .
What is the royal coat of arms?
Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom. There are two versions of the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom. The common version is on the left, while the Scottish version is on the right.
When did Ireland leave the Union?
After 26 of Ireland's 32 counties left the union on 6 December 1922, in order to form the Irish Free State, the name of the nation was amended to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 12 April 1927.
What is the British Empire?
History of Britain. Timeline of the British Empire. by Jessica Brain. The British Empire is remembered for its extensive, long-lasting and far-reaching imperial activities that ushered in an era of globalisation and connectivity. The British Empire began in its formative years in the sixteenth century ...
How did the British Empire impact the world?
The British Empire was a crucial component in shaping lives, peoples, travel, economy, technology, politics and culture for hundreds of years. For better or worse, the impact of the British Empire has earned its place in the history books.
What was the name of the British raid on the Transvaal Republic?
1895 – The Jameson Raid, an unsuccessful raid by the British against the Transvaal Republic. Boer War re-enactment. 1899 – Outbreak of the Second Boer War, fought between the British Empire and the two Boer States known as the Republic of Transvaal and the Orange Free State.
What was the role of the British Empire in the Falklands War?
Present Day – Britain and the Commonwealth Nations. The British Empire was a crucial component in shaping lives, peoples, travel, economy, technology, politics and culture for hundreds of years.
Which country gained independence in 1956?
1956 – Sudan gained independence, closely followed the next year by Ghana. One by one British colonies throughout the African mainland declared independence in the next decade, concluding in 1966. The one exception was Namibia which was late to achieve independence in 1990. In the following decades numerous other countries across the globe proceeded to gain their independence from Britain, with some leaving colonial rule on specific dates whilst others achieved independence through a longer process initiated by dominion status. The breaking up of the British Empire dominated the twentieth century landscape and ushered in a new era of global relations.
Who was the Queen of India in 1876?
Her Imperial Majesty Queen Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India. 1876 – Queen Victoria took the title Empress of India. 1878 – Occupation of Cyprus. 1800 – The First Boer War between the British and the South African Republic.
Who is Queen Victoria?
Her Imperial Majesty Queen Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, Empress of India
What was the British Empire?
The vast British Empire began as a network of trading posts set up by the East India Company, a London based business. Traders from the Company travelled all around Asia looking for new goods to buy and sell.
Which countries did Britain control?
Britain gained control of Nigeria, the Gold Coast, Rhodesia, South Africa and Egypt. The conference changed the face of Africa forever and gave rise to most of Africa’s borders today. Yet, no Africans were present at this conference- native Africans did not have a say in the proceedings.
Why did the Queen of Britain become the monarch of India?
It was an attempt to bind India closer to Britain and foster a sense of loyalty amongst Indians to their ‘Mother Country’. The British had a deep impact on many areas of Indian life.
What was the largest empire in history?
The British Empire was the largest formal empire in history. During the Victorian period, it was at its peak. Britain controlled ¼ of the world’s land area and ruled over 400 million diverse peoples. It was referred to as the ‘empire on which the sun never set’ due to its vast geographical reach. Much like America is today, the tiny island ...
How did the British war affect the colonies?
The war had made it more difficult for Britain to maintain its empire. The war drained Britain financially and also lowered its prestige in the eyes of its colonies. Independence movements within the colonies had also been growing for decades. These social movements expressed dissatisfaction with British rule.
How did the British influence Indian life?
The British had a deep impact on many areas of Indian life. One of the most profound changes came in the form of railways. The first line from Bombay to Thana opened in 1853 . Railways enabled goods and people to travel faster than ever before. They transformed the pace and landscape of India.
What countries did the British want to expand their empire into?
The Scramble for Africa. In the late 1880s, the British sought to expand their empire into Africa. However, they faced competition from other European powers such as Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.
