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British Empire

Definition

The British Empire refers to the extensive collection of territories and colonies that were ruled by Britain from the 16th century until the mid-20th century. It was one of the largest empires in history, spanning across various continents.

Analogy

Imagine the British Empire as a gigantic puzzle with many pieces spread out all over the world. Each piece represents a territory or colony under British rule, forming a massive picture.

Related terms

Imperialism: The practice of extending a nation's power and influence through territorial acquisition or economic dominance.

Decolonization: The process by which colonies gain independence from their ruling empire.

Commonwealth: A voluntary association of independent states, most of which were former territories of the British Empire, that cooperate on political, economic, and social issues.