British empire

British Empire was one of the largest empires in history, and for a time, the foremost global power. It was a product of the European Age of Discovery, which began with the maritime explorations of the 15th century, that sparked the era of the European colonial empires.

Origins

The origins of the British Empire can be traced back to the late 15th century, with the overseas possessions and trading posts established by England between the late 16th and early 18th centuries. At its height, it was the largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost global power. By 1913, the British Empire held sway over 412 million people, 23% of the world population at the time, and by 1920, it covered 35,500,000 km2 (13,700,000 sq mi), 24% of the Earth's total land area.

Growth and Peak

The British Empire expanded to include India, large parts of Africa and many other territories throughout the world. Alongside the formal control that Britain exerted over its own colonies, its dominance of much of world trade meant that it effectively controlled the economies of many regions, such as Asia and Latin America.

Decolonization and End

The process of decolonization, most of which took place in the 20th century, was marked by numerous wars of independence. The British Empire was dismantled following the end of World War II, when the exhausted country had neither the wealth, the manpower, nor the will to oppose the drive of many of its colonies for independence.

Legacy

The legacy of the British Empire is widespread, in legal and governmental systems, economic practice, militarily, educational systems, sports, and in the global spread of the English language. At the peak of its power, the phrase "the empire on which the sun never sets" was often used to describe the British Empire, because its expanse around the globe meant that the sun was always shining on at least one of its territories.

See Also

• History of the United Kingdom
• Colonialism
• Decolonization