The British Empire was a vast colonial power that dominated global politics, economics, and culture for centuries. It reached its peak in the late 19th century, covering nearly a quarter of the world's land area and population. The empire's rise was fueled by naval supremacy, economic interests, and a perceived moral mission to civilize the world. Key aspects included the Triangle Trade, the British Raj in India, and the spread of English language and culture. While it brought advancements in governance and infrastructure to many regions, it also resulted in exploitation, discrimination, and loss of indigenous lands. The empire's decline began after World Wars I and II, leading to the formation of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1949.
• Mahatma Gandhi emerged as a pivotal figure in India's struggle for independence from British rule.
• His philosophy of non-violent resistance significantly influenced the Indian independence movement and global civil rights efforts.
• Gandhi's life journey took him from a privileged background to becoming the "Father of the Nation" in India.
• He organized numerous protests and demonstrations against British rule, gaining worldwide attention for the Indian cause.
• George Orwell's "Shooting an Elephant" provides a literary perspective on the complexities of British imperialism in Burma.