How popular was the British Empire?

How popular was the British Empire?

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 per cent of the world population at the time, and by 1920 it covered 35,500,000 km2 (13,700,000 sq mi), 24 percent of the Earth’s total land area.

Why was the British Empire a good thing?

The British empire brought many changes to many people and many countries. Some of these changes involved innovations in medical care, education and railways. The British empire fought to abolish slavery in the 1800s, but it profited from slavery in the 1700s.

Was the British Empire good for India?

Some recent research suggests that British rule did little for India in economic terms. Britain gained hugely from ruling India, but most of the wealth created was not invested back into the country. India’s population only grew by about 1% per year, which also suggests there was not much economic growth.

Why the British Empire was a bad thing?

On the downside, people living in countries taken into the Empire often lost lands and suffered discrimination and prejudice. Countries in the Empire were also exploited for their raw materials. Slavery was another negative because despite the enormous profits made, the suffering of the slaves was terrible.

Is the UK still an empire?

The Cold War added further complexities, as Britain attempted to insulate former colonies from the influence of the Soviet Union. In 1997 Hong Kong returned to Chinese administration. Though Britain still maintains overseas territories, the handover marked the final end of Britain’s empire.

What was largest empire in history?

The Mongol Empire
The Mongol Empire existed during the 13th and 14th centuries and it is recognized as being the largest contiguous land empire in history.

How did Britain lose its empire?

The empire changed throughout its history. The First and Second World Wars left Britain weakened and less interested in its empire. Also many parts of the empire contributed troops and resources to the war effort and took an increasingly independent view. This led to a steady decline of the empire after 1945.

What was life like in the British Empire?

The range of people living in the Empire ranged from those among the richest on the planet to those among the poorest It incorporated those who ruled from palaces down to those forced into Slavery. For life on the Slave Plantations please see the pages on Plantations and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

When did the British Empire come to an end?

The British began to establish overseas colonies in the 16th century. By 1783, Britain had a large empire with colonies in America and the West Indies. This ‘first British Empire’ came to an end after the American Revolution.

What do you call a member of the British Empire?

Knights and Dames Grand Cross use the post-nominal, GBE; Knights Commander, KBE; Dames Commander, DBE; Commanders, CBE; Officers, OBE; and Members, MBE. The post-nominal for the British Empire Medal is BEM.

Which is the mother country of the British Empire?

The British Empire comprised of Britain, the ‘mother country’, and the colonies, countries ruled to some degree by and from Britain. In the 16th century Britain began to establish overseas colonies. By 1783, Britain had built a large empire with colonies in America and the West Indies. Interpretations of the British Empire