The British Empire was the largest empire the world has ever seen. Spanning from the 16th century to the early 20th century, the British Empire was a vast and powerful political entity that stretched across the globe. At its peak, the British Empire covered 13.01 million square miles of land – more than 22% of the earth’s landmass.
The British Empire was ruled by the British monarchy, with the reigning monarch acting as the head of state. During its reign, the British Empire had a significant impact on the world. It was responsible for the spread of the English language, the introduction of democracy and the establishment of the rule of law.
The British Empire was founded in the 16th century, when the English began to colonize the Americas. Over the centuries, the British Empire expanded to include parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. By the 19th century, the British Empire was the largest empire in the world.
The British Empire was a major force in world politics. It was responsible for the establishment of the British Commonwealth, a voluntary association of former British colonies. The British Empire also played a major role in the two World Wars, with Britain and its allies emerging victorious in both conflicts.
The British Empire ended in the early 20th century, when the colonies began to gain independence. The last British colony, Hong Kong, was handed over to China in 1997.
Today, the legacy of the British Empire is still felt around the world. The English language is the most widely spoken language in the world, and the British legal system is the basis for many legal systems around the world. The British Empire also left a lasting impact on the culture and history of many countries.
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