Antwort Is Britain still the largest empire? Weitere Antworten – Is the British Empire still the largest

Is Britain still the largest empire?
In 1913, 412 million people lived under the control of the British Empire, 23 percent of the world's population at that time. It remains the largest empire in human history and at the peak of its power in 1920, it covered an astonishing 13.71 million square miles – that's close to a quarter of the world's land area.It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height in the 19th and early 20th century, it was the largest empire in history and, for a century, was the foremost global power.There remain, however, fourteen territories around the world known as the British Overseas Territories which remain under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom. Many of the former territories of the British Empire are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

Why is Britain no longer an empire : The catastrophic British defeats in Europe and Asia between 1940 and 1942 destroyed its financial and economic independence, the real foundation of the imperial system. Britain had survived the war, but its wealth, prestige and authority had been severely reduced.

Who is bigger than British Empire

Empires at their greatest extent

Empire Maximum land area
Million km2 % of world
British Empire 35.5 26.35%
Mongol Empire 24.0 17.81%
Russian Empire 22.8 16.92%

Why was Britain so powerful : The combination of trade from factories (the industrial revolution) and shipping guarded by a navy, was the basis of wealth. Controlling a significant portion of world trade, Britain wielded economic influence over regions such as Asia and Latin America. Some colonies earned greater autonomy, becoming Dominions.

The United States' rising global influence and its opposition to imperialism made colonialism less politically viable, while Japan's wartime victories had destroyed Britain's imperial prestige.

By the end of World War Two in 1945 it became clear that: Britain could no longer afford to maintain its empire. British attitudes were changing, as more people began to believe that having an empire was wrong and that Britain had no right to rule over other states by force.

Could Britain rebuild the empire

No. The conditions that allowed the British to create an empire no longer exist. India, for example, was a collection of competing kingdoms instead of a unified nuclear capable nation with a well-trained standing army. The British were able to play one leader against another that would never work now.The British Empire (red) and Mongol Empire (blue) were the largest and second-largest empires in history, respectively. The precise extent of the Mongol Empire at its greatest territorial expansion is a matter of debate among scholars.Nevertheless, the United Kingdom today has retained global soft power in the 21st century, including a formidable military. The United Kingdom continues to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council alongside only four other powers, and is one of the nine nuclear powers.

Arguably, the small size of Britain, its small population, and the fact it is an island, are its greatest strengths. Being an island led to a dependency amongst the British on resources from the sea and a need to establish naval trade routes; and this meant that a strong navy was required.

Why did Britain lose its power : The First and Second World Wars

Both wars left Britain weakened and less interested in its empire. Although Great Britain emerged as one of the victors of World War II, it had been economically devastated by the conflict. The British Empire gradually gave way to the Commonwealth.

Does Britain still rule any other countries : As of 2024, there are 15 Commonwealth realms: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and the United Kingdom.

Did the British Empire do any good

One of the positive byproducts of an empire that spanned the globe was the spread of the English language. Today, English is the largest language by terms of speakers in the world and the third most spoken native language.

Empires at their greatest extent

Empire Maximum land area
Million km2 % of world
British Empire 35.5 26.35%
Mongol Empire 24.0 17.81%
Russian Empire 22.8 16.92%
  • 1) British Empire (16th–20th centuries)
  • 2) Mongol Empire (1206–1368)
  • 3) Russian Empire (1721–1917)
  • 4) Ottoman Empire (1299–1922)
  • 5) Spanish Empire (15th–19th centuries)
  • 6) Qing Dynasty (1644–1912)
  • 7) Umayyad Caliphate (661–750)
  • 8) Abbasid Caliphate (750–1258)

Why is England so small yet so powerful : Arguably, the small size of Britain, its small population, and the fact it is an island, are its greatest strengths. Being an island led to a dependency amongst the British on resources from the sea and a need to establish naval trade routes; and this meant that a strong navy was required.


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