What was the extent of the British Empire?
How big was the empire? At its height the British empire was the largest in world history. It covered around 25% of the world’s land surface. Large areas of North America, Australia, Africa and Asia were all part of the British empire at one time or other.
When was the British Empire at its greatest extent?
1919
The British Empire was at its largest in 1919, after Britain acquired Germany’s East and West African colonies and Samoa in the Treaty of Versailles, which marked the end of the First World War, 1914–18.
What was the total area of British colonies in 1913?
By 1913, the British Empire held sway over a population of about 458 million people, approximately one-quarter of the world’s population. It covered about 36.6 million km² (14.2 million square miles), about a quarter of Earth’s total land area.
What was the focus of the British Empire in the colonies?
Historians refer to the British Empire after 1783 as the “Second British Empire”; this period saw Britain increasingly focus on Asia and Africa instead of the Americas, and increasingly focus on the expansion of trade rather than territorial possessions.
How many colonies did the British Empire have?
Fourteen overseas territories remain under British sovereignty. After independence, many former British colonies joined the Commonwealth of Nations, a free association of independent states.
Why was the colonial period important to the British Empire?
Hudson’s fourth voyage to search for NW Passage – reaches Hudson’s Bay The re-establishment of the Virginia colony was critical to sustaining the area as a trading settlement. The colonial period started in the 16th century and is a very important part of modern British history.
When did the expansion of the British Empire begin?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. The territorial evolution of the British Empire is considered to have begun with the foundation of the English colonial empire in the late 16th century. Since then, many territories around the world have been under the control of the United Kingdom or its predecessor states.
What are some facts about the British Empire?
Encyclopaedia Britannica’s editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree…. Overview of the British Empire.