1. Largest formal empire in history
1.1. It controlled 1/4 of the world's land area
1.2. It laid the foundations of the modern world
1.3. It was at its peak during the Victorian Period
2. Josep Chamberlain (1836-1914)
2.1. Some of his ideas were in advance for his time and pointed the direction that British policy would take in the 20th century.
3. How did it begin?
3.1. A London based business called “The West India Company'' travelled to Asia to buy goods and sell them in Europe. The company worked with Indian leaders and it began intervening militarily and financially in India until it gained more control of the country.
3.1.1. In 1857, the company transmitted the power to the British Government.
3.1.1.1. After the Indian Mutiny or First War of Independence.
4. Colonized Countries
4.1. New Zealand (1840)
4.2. Figi
4.3. Tonga
4.3.1. British High Commission for the Western Pacific Islands (1877)
4.4. Papua
4.5. Other Islands in the Pacific Ocean
4.6. India
4.6.1. 1857-India became the most highly valued part of the British Empire; it was known as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’.
4.6.2. 1869- The Suez Canal provided Britain with a much shorter sea route to India
4.6.3. 1876- The expansion to the new territory in the Indian subcontinent took place
4.6.4. 1877- Queen Victoria of Britain became the official monarch of India in attempt to bring India and Britain closer and loyal.
4.6.5. Changes: -The railway, which changed the pace and landscape. -India did not have political independence. -Middle-class indians formed a political party (The Indian National Congress) to fight for the independence from Britain.
4.7. Africa
4.7.1. 1882- Britain ruled Egypt
4.7.2. 1884-5 Germany held the Berlin Conference to decide who would control different parts of Africa.
4.7.3. 1899- Britain ruled in Sudan
4.7.4. Britain gained control of Nigeria, the Gold Coast, Rhodesia, South Africa and Egypt.
4.7.5. Britain’s influence extended through Nigeria, the Gold Coast and The Gambia.
4.7.6. 1899-1902- Britain won the South African War.
4.7.6.1. Its victory enable them to create the Union of South Africa (1910)
4.7.7. The British wanted to sell goods in Africa and felt they needed to “improve” the country moved by Christianity.
4.8. Hong Kong Island
4.8.1. 1841- "Informal empire” operated in China (with commercial purposes)
4.9. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Cape Colony and Natal.
4.9.1. Britain was in charge of foreign affairs and defense.
5. Britain declare war on Germany (1914)
5.1. After 1918, the dominions signed peace treaties for themselves and joined the League of Nations as independent states equal to Britain.
5.1.1. 1939 (World War II) the dominions made their own declarations of war.
6. Decline of British Empire
6.1. 1945- Decolonization began after World War II.
6.1.1. Lots of independence movements within the colonies put pressure on the British government.
6.1.2. Britain lost financial stability and lowered its prestige.