How did the British build such a large empire?

In the 16th Century, Britain began to build its empire – spreading the country’s rule and power beyond its borders through a process called ‘imperialism’. This brought huge changes to societies, industries, cultures and the lives of people all around the world.

What were factors that allowed Britain to expand its empire around the world?

With land, with trade, with goods, and with literal human resources, the British Empire could grab more and more power. Profitability was key to British expansion, and the age of exploration brought wonderous and addictive delights to the British Empire.

What is the most important reason why the British built an empire?

Britain had many reasons to want an empire. Economically, the rich natural resources available in Africa, Asia and the Pacific earned the country a lot of money as goods were imported and exported. Politically, it made Britain a very powerful country and allowed the spread of their influence across the world.

Why was the British empire so powerful in the 19th century?

In the 19th and early 20th century, some historians argued that the empire was the deserved result of Britain’s technical and moral superiority. They argued that British rule established formal systems of government, law and education as well as the development of infrastructure, like railways.

What caused fall of British 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.

When did the British Empire expand the most?

Between 1870 and 1900 the formal Empire expanded to occupy an area of 4 million square miles, despite the lack of coherent imperial policies.

How and where did the British Empire expand?

Over time, the empire expanded beyond India’s frontiers – to the west, into the Arabian/Persian Gulf and a swathe of territories across East Africa; to the east, into Burma, Malaya, North Borneo, the Straits Settlements, Hong Kong, treaty ports in China – notably Shanghai – and, eventually, a naval base at Wei-hei-Wei …

What were 3 reasons Britain wanted an empire?

They wanted a better economy. Money, first and foremost. They wanted to get more money by stealing, taxing, trade and business. This was the main reason they wanted an empire (and I think they were speaking for the majority when they were thinking of empire).

How did Britain become the strongest power in the world in the late 19th century?

There is no doubt that Britain was powerful. It used its wealth, its armies and its navy to defeat rival European countries and to conquer local peoples to establish its empire. However, the empire did not just rely on force. In most of the empire Britain relied heavily on local people to make it work.