October 2013 Matilda 8cc Essay Writing: The expansion of an empire

The British Empire was powerful and ruling over about 458 million people in 1922, one-fifth of the worlds population and almost a quarter of the Earths total land area. They became powerful due to many economic, social and environmental reasons. First of all to become an Empire you need money. After ending the war with Spain 1604 England could now transfer more money on exploration, instead of war. The trading with goods started then with Englands newly developed colonies, like tea and spices from India, and even more money was gained that once again was invested in more exploration and more trade. At this time the British slave trading also started to generate a lot of money. The slave-market in South and Western Africa was a big income for the British Empire but also everything the slaves produced later on in USA, for example sugar cane, contributed to the wealth of the Empire. More sail ships were built and the East India Company started with trade of cotton, silk, indigo dye, salt, saltpeter, tea and opium to and from England, India and China. The strength of the leadership and its organization. The different Kings/Queens that ruled England during this long time were very powerful and managed to expand their territory but also at the same time keep it together. This is very much due to the powerful and well organized English parliamentary system. Also the English common law for the legal systems was important. Of course then a strong military/ police force with later on new developments like the steamship and the telegraph, became another factor. Other maybe less noticed things like a united language (English), British Protestant missionaries spreading the Anglican Communion to all continents, British colonial architecture, such as in churches, railway stations and government buildings and not to forget individual and team sports developed in Britainlike football, cricket, lawn tennis and golfall contributed. No united enemy Without a united enemy both in a military and in a civil way is it easy for a strong Empire to expand its boundaries. The Empire will set the rules and the enemy must accept the harsh agreements. The Empire will grow until something else will make it fall apart. Conclusion In conclusion when the British Empire was at the peak of its power it was described as the empire on which sun never sets because its expanse across the globe meant that the sun was always shining on at least one of its territories. The British Empire lasted between 1497 1960.

Resources

http://www.britishempire.co.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Empire

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100630011739AAOAf80

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2247487/Spanish-accused-act-war-Gibraltar-naval-vessels-enterwaters-The-Rock.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Navy