British Empire
The British Empire
In 1920 the British Empire was known as beeing the biggest one in the world. It was esteemed that Britain ruled a quarter of world's land. Virginia, the first British colony was settled in 1585 and also some islands like the Caribbean was occupied by them. The British also established their trading posts in India which mainly was a commercial empire by which only the Europeans profitted. By the time these trade were extended and through wars e.g. „The Seven Years War“ with other colonial powers Britain became more powerful. After the foundation of „The East India Company“ English interest in Indian trade was developed. But this trade was controversial because the English goods were not in great demand in India. The British Empire was built step by step over three periods, namely firstly „First British Empire“ (16th century to 1776), which main aim was trade. Secondly „Second British Empire“ (1770s to 1870s) and the aim of this empire was imperialism and free trade. The last stage is called „New Imperialism“ (1870s to WWI) in which culture, power, economy, ideology etc. was expanded.
Sources
John Cannon, ed., „British Empire“, The Oxford Companion to British History, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997, 128-9