The Rise and Fall of the British Empire
The British Empire reached its peak in the 19th century, controlling approximately one-quarter of the world's land surface. This unprecedented expansion began in the 17th century through strategic colonization and military superiority, particularly naval power. The Empire's reach extended across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and Australasia, with India considered the "Crown Jewel."
British colonial expansion was driven by multiple factors: economic interests, political competition, religious evangelism, and trade opportunities. The East India Company exemplified commercial imperialism, while the triangular trade system connected Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe in a complex network of commerce including the controversial slave trade.
The Empire's decline accelerated after World War II, as colonies gradually gained independence. However, many former colonies maintained connections through the Commonwealth. The Empire's legacy includes widespread use of the English language, legal systems, and infrastructure development, though it also left complex cultural and social implications.
Highlight: The phrase "the Empire on which the sun never sets" reflected British colonial reach - when sunset occurred in one territory, it was always dawn in another part of the Empire.