Search Results - British Empire
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The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom, that had originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height it was the largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost global power. By 1922, the British Empire held sway over a population of about 458 million people, one-quarter of the world's population, [1] and covered more than 13,000,000&_160;square miles (33,670,000&_160;km 2) approximately a quarter of the Earth's total land area. [2] As a result, its political, linguistic and cultural legacy is widespread. At the peak of its power, it was often said that " the sun never sets on the British Empire" because its span across the globe ensured that the sun was always shining on at least one of its numerous territories. During the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries, Spain and Portugal pioneered European exploration of the globe and in the process established large overseas empires. Envious of the great wealth these empires bestowed, England, France and the Netherlands began to establish colonies and trade networks of their own in the Americas and Asia.[3] A series of wars in the 17th and 18th centuries with the Netherlands and France left England (Britain, following the 1707 Act of Union with Scotland) the dominant colonial power in North America and India. However, the loss of the Thirteen Colonies in North America in 1783 after a war of independence was a blow to Britain, depriving it of its most populous colonies. Despite this setback, British attention soon turned towards Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Following the defeat of Napoleonic France in 1815, Britain enjoyed a century of effectively unchallenged dominance, and expanded its imperial holdings across the globe. Increasing degrees of autonomy were granted to its white settler colonies, some of which were reclassified as dominions. The growth of Germany and the United States eroded Britain's economic lead by the end of the 19th century. Subsequent military and economic tensions between Britain and Germany were major causes of the First World War, for which Britain leaned heavily upon its Empire. The conflict placed enormous financial strain on Britain, and although the Empire achieved its largest territorial extent immediately after the war, it was no longer a peerless industrial or military power. Despite emerging victorious, the Second World War saw Britain's colonies in South-East Asia occupied by Japan, which damaged British prestige and accelerated the decline of the Empire. Within two years of the end of the war, Britain granted independence to its most populous and valuable colony, India. During the remainder of the 20th century, most of the territories of the Empire became independent as part of a larger global decolonisation movement by European powers, ending with the return of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China in 1997. After independence, many former British colonies joined the Commonwealth of Nations, a free association of independent states. Sixteen Commonwealth nations share their head of state, Queen Elizabeth II, as Commonwealth realms. Fourteen territories remain under British sovereignty, the British overseas territories.
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Showing 1 to 15 of 15 Articles matching 'British Empire' in related articles. |
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1. The British and their love affair with taking a bath
November 19, 2009
It’s strange isn’t it! Taking a bath in Roman Britain was commonplace but it has taken over 1500 years since the decline of the Roman Empire for it to become commonplace in Britain again. Up until post WWII, many houses did not have plumbed in bathrooms and certainly if most people felt the need to take a bath, it was a visit to the public bath houses or filling the tin bath in the kitchen. Of course, things have changed somewhat now. Practically all houses in Britain have baths and showers and for modern Britons like the civilised Romans, bathing has become very much a part of life.
... (read more)
Author: Charlie Board
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2. Commonwealth Games 2010: Major Sports
November 12, 2009
One of the biggest multi-national and multi-sport event – Commonwealth Games – was started in 1930 under the name ‘British Empire Games’ and involves the elite athletes of the Commonwealth of Nations. When it comes to the wide choice of sports in this particular event, each candidate city looking to host a Commonwealth Games is supposed to include a minimum of 10 core sports on their programme.
History During the first Commonwealth Games in Hamilton in 1930, there were only six sports in the entire programme: Athletics, Aquatics (Swimming & Diving), Boxing, Lawn Bowls, Rowing, and Wrestl... (read more)
Author: Manish Sinha
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3. No.9 Burberry Check Embossed Bark Leather Hobo Bag
September 25, 2009
Elizabeth II just made Christopher Bailey a Member of the British Empire, an award that usually arrives for services rendered to queen and country. Bailey is the most tirelessly Anglophiliac of designers, and his version for this British heritage brand is always poetic, but there is equally an omnipresent atmosphere of sadness and desolation, just like Burberry Check Embossed Bark Leather Hobo Bag.
The color palette on this classic checked hobo is blacks, not exactly uplifting. But it is not to say this bag is not beautiful. Thinking about beautiful girls of the romantic, almost Bronte-ia... (read more)
Author: Tommy Martin
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4. A War In The Middle Of A War
September 16, 2009
America was already involved in one conflict called the War of 1812, which was against the British Empire and the Indians who were their allies. However, because of the victory that the United States saw in this war against the Creek Indians, resulting in the settlers possessing areas in Alabama and Georgia, which belonged to the Indians, caused an outbreak of another war, called The Creek War (1813-14). America now found herself envolved in a modern day two front war. The great Shawnee Indian leader named Tecumseh, really expected their allies, which was the British, to come to their help in ... (read more)
Author: Meredith Miller
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5. Malta - A Wonderful Getaway to Peace and Tranquillity
September 13, 2009
Malta, located on the southernmost tip of Europe, offers a wealth of cathedrals, museums, restaurants, palazzos, fortifications, shopping opportunities, etc apart from historic sights. Its bustling capital Valletta presents excellent opportunities for divers and is said to be built “by gentlemen, for gentlemen”. History: Formerly home to knights, Malta had its own share of turbulent times in its history. It became part of the British Empire in 1800 and became a republic in 1974, ten years after it was granted its independence. Popular Places and Attractions: Three of the Malta si... (read more)
Author: Gauri Sharma
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6. Learn about jigsaw puzzles
September 10, 2009
A European cartographer called John Spilsbury, is most likely the first person to make a jigsaw puzzle. In 1767, he cut a wooden map of the British Empire into pieces so the aristocracy's children will know the geography of the lands Britain ruled. It was not easy creating a jigsaw puzzle due all the work involved as you can imagine.Wooden jigsaw puzzles soon arrived to the U.S. and became an entertainment for adults as well. They called their product the Pastime Puzzle. Those old wooden jigsaw puzzles were much more challanging.The pieces were cut exactly on the color lines. There was no in... (read more)
Author: Glenn Durham
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7. What Events Led To The War Of 1812?
September 01, 2009
America provided supplies for both France and Great Britain, especially to France. Great Britain could go to any part of the world for their imports, but France did not have very many ships and needed the United States to supply this need. Now, American merchants really prospered from the war in Europe. From 1789 to 1805 American imports and exports quadrupled, and most of this business was with France.
This alarmed Great Britain and they were now determined to put a block in America's trade agreement with France. They felt that this relationship of America with France would be a threat t... (read more)
Author: Meredith Miller
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8. Belize Condos
August 27, 2009
For someone planning to unwind themselves in the long stretch of beaches, swimming, fishing or surfing in the ocean or sampling the local cuisine and have a decent vacation at an affordable accommodation, the best destination is Belize.
Belize is a small countryside in Central America. It was a former colony of the British Empire.
Belize’s close proximity to the Caribbean cost of Central America with a tropical climate of annual temperatures fluctuating between 80-90 degrees attracts tourists readily attracts tourists.
Belize is located near United States and is close to ma... (read more)
Author: Sukirti Gupta
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9. Organic Darjeeling Tea - Falling In Love With India's Prized Black Tea
July 21, 2009
Darjeeling tea has long been one of the most highly valued teas of the United Kingdom as well as other regions in the world that had once been under the colonization of the British Empire. This black tea comes from the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, India. It is known for its distinct flavor known as muscatel that leaves a mint like aftertaste.
Darjeeling teas are usually made from the small leaf varieties. This is in contrast to the other popular tea, Assam, which comes from the large leafed varieties. Darjeeling teas, which were traditionally produced as black tea, are now found in w... (read more)
Author: Devid Anderson
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10. Philadelphia Home of American Independence
July 01, 2009
Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of the United States, the nation's cradle of liberty. It began back in 1776 when the 13 American colonies announced their independence from the British Empire with their Declaration of Independence. And Philadelphians, along with other Americans, mark this day of freedom every July 4th. As the nation prepares for its 233rd birthday.The first stop for many tourists to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is Independence Hall -- the place where the founding fathers met to discuss and write the Declaration of Independence.Bill Caughlin"People want to come to see t... (read more)
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11. London - one of the best holiday destination
June 29, 2009
London is the capital city of England, the seat to the throne of the British Empire and possibly one of the most important cities in Europe and the world when it comes to industry, finance, culture and modern living in general. If you are a citizen and a member of this massive community or planning a vacation or a city break to London in the not too distant future, then you might consider taking a look on the internet to find out all about what is going on there. There is one web site on the internet that is designed to offer its visitors the chance to learn everything that is happening in reg... (read more)
Author: Harjeet Singh
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12. Shimla Tour packages- a vacation of a lifetime
May 06, 2009
Shimla is one of the popular hill stations in India. It is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and is known for its scenic beauty and idyllic charm. Shimla was the summer capital of the British Empire and since then it has become a popular tourist destination. Thousands of travelers from various parts of India and across the world come to this lovely hill station to spend some time in the lap of nature. To cater to them, lots of Shimla tour packages are offered by the tourist board and the various travel agencies.
The ideal time for undertaking Shimla tours in between the months of Marc... (read more)
Author: Rajeev Singh
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13. Tips to Find Out Cheap Accommodation At Singapore And New York
May 05, 2009
Singapore is one of the smallest and most beautiful nations in South East Asia. It is considered the cleanest country in the world. It has become one of the most important commercial and military centers of British Empire and has become the hub of British power in South East Asia. With perhaps the widest range of lifestyles and experiences, Singapore is one of the best known countries for their hospitality worldwide. With posh yet affordable hotels, Singapore hotel reservations are absolutely mind blowing.
In addition to their warm hospitality with regards to providing comfortable accommo... (read more)
Author: kate williams
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14. Hobart - Spectacular Old-World Charm at your Behest
April 24, 2009
Hobart, the second-oldest Australian city, is the state capital of Tasmania. Located on the south-east of the Derwent River estuary, the city was founded in 1803 as a penal colony – a settlement meant to detain prisoners of the British Empire. Every year, a huge number of tourists from all across the globe throng this beautiful city for a rejuvenating sojourn. Travelers planning trips to this place should be well loaded with Hobart related information in order to have a hassle-free time here.
Hobart – Geographic Facts Blessed with a mild, oceanic climate, Hobart extends along both sides ... (read more)
Author: Tom Smith
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15. 11 "British" General-Officers and Admirals of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) born in North America
April 03, 2009
11 “British” General-Officers and Admirals of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) born in North America or the West Indies
by Ross Dix-Peek
The British Armed Forces have long been cosmopolitan in structure, the natural consequence of “Empire”, the rank and file including many men and women not born in the British Isles, and therefore it is quite natural that many of its General-Officers, Admirals and Air-Marshals have also been of “Foreign-birth”. It was no different during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with no-less than eleven of the British “Top Brass” having bee... (read more)
Author: Ross Dix-Peek
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