{"id":4128,"date":"2018-07-15T10:17:19","date_gmt":"2018-07-15T10:17:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/schoolshistory.org.uk\/topics\/?page_id=4128"},"modified":"2026-10-02T06:04:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T06:04:10","slug":"british-empire","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/schoolshistory.org.uk\/topics\/british-empire\/","title":{"rendered":"British Empire: c1650-1900"},"content":{"rendered":"

Explore the history of the British Empire, from its origins and expansion to colonial rule, economic development, resistance, independence and its changing legacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n

British Empire<\/h2>\n

The British Empire developed over several centuries and connected Britain with territories and peoples across the world. Explore how the Empire developed, how it was governed, what life was like within it and how colonial rule changed over time.<\/p>\n

The Making of the British Empire<\/h3>\n

Explore the development of British power overseas and the political foundations of Empire.<\/p>\n

The Making of the United Kingdom and Foundations of Empire<\/a> \u00b7 When did the British Empire start?<\/a><\/p>\n

How Was the Empire Governed?<\/h3>\n

The Empire was governed through different systems and institutions, varying considerably between territories.<\/p>\n

How was the British Empire ruled?<\/a> \u00b7 How was the British Empire controlled?<\/a><\/p>\n

Countries and Territories<\/h3>\n

British rule extended across territories in Africa, Asia, the Americas and elsewhere, with different forms of colonial government and administration.<\/p>\n

What countries were in the British Empire?<\/a><\/p>\n

Life in the British Empire<\/h3>\n

The experience of Empire differed according to place, status and circumstance.<\/p>\n

What was life like in the British Empire?<\/a><\/p>\n

Empire at Home<\/h3>\n

The Empire also shaped life, trade, politics and attitudes within Britain.<\/p>\n

Empire at Home<\/a> \u00b7 British Slave Ports<\/a><\/p>\n

Economy and Trade<\/h3>\n

Trade, resources, taxation and investment were important parts of Britain’s imperial system and its relationship with the wider world.<\/p>\n

Economic Consequences of Empire<\/a><\/p>\n

Society and Political Change<\/h3>\n

Empire influenced British society, political thought and debates about power, trade and national identity.<\/p>\n

Society, Change and Political Thought<\/a><\/p>\n

The End of the British Empire<\/h3>\n

Decolonisation transformed Britain’s relationship with its overseas territories during the twentieth century.<\/p>\n

When did the British Empire end?<\/a> \u00b7 How long did the British Empire last?<\/a><\/p>\n

Questions About the British Empire<\/h3>\n

Explore key questions about the development, purpose, impact and legacy of the British Empire.<\/p>\n

Questions About the British Empire<\/a><\/p>\n

When did the British Empire start?<\/a> \u00b7
\nWhen did the British Empire end?<\/a> \u00b7
\nHow long did the British Empire last?<\/a> \u00b7
\nWhat countries were in the British Empire?<\/a> \u00b7
\nHow was the British Empire ruled?<\/a> \u00b7
\nWhat was life like in the British Empire?<\/a> \u00b7
\nWhat is Perfidious Albion?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Explore the history of the British Empire, from its origins and expansion to colonial rule, economic development, resistance, independence and its changing legacy. British Empire The British Empire developed over several centuries and connected Britain with territories and peoples across the world. Explore how the Empire developed, how it was governed, what life was like… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4134,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":100,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4128","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t