16th century age of discovery
Wanted to gain more money, Land, Power, build colonies and spreaf Christianity and British was of life
Massive Emigration of English colonists to North America and India… bc of religious struggles
Competition with France and Spain
Geographic advantages
Isolated from the World—> protection
spain and france were always divided between a policy of colonial extension and a policy of European conquest
The first British Empire 1607-1776
Scattered possessions in (West) India (Jamaica, Bahamas), Canada, Europe
Good climate for growing sugar and tobacco
1775-1783: The American war of Independence
13 colonies in North America United and fought to be free from British rule —> they win
End of first British Empire
18th to 19th century - Forming the Second British Empire
Colonies in parts of Australia, Trinidad, Siri Lanka
1876 Queen Victoria Took the title Empress of India
Scramble for Africa in the 188s
30% of the African population is Controlled - kingdoms were destroyed
20th century
Independence of white colonies peacefully achieved
Non white colonies caused bloodshed
Dominion Status
Decolonisation—> Commonwealth of nations
End of WW2 in 1945
B. Can No longer anfford to maintain its empire
More people started to believe that B had no right to rule over other Status
Independence movements
1991 Harare Commonwealth Declaration
Democracy Based on the British parliamentary System
Human rights and social Justice
Economic links, including aid for developing countries
Last changeda year ago