British Empire
| British Empire | |
|---|---|
| Capital | London |
| Government Type | Constitutional monarchy |
| Currency | Pound sterling |
The British Empire was a colonial empire controlled by the United Kingdom that spanned the globe. At its height in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the largest empire in history, earning the nickname "the empire on which the sun never sets."
History
The British Empire began with overseas territories and trading posts established by Elizabeth I in the late 16th century. It expanded through colonization, conquest, and the establishment of trading companies such as the British East India Company.
Legacy
The British Empire has left a lasting legacy on global politics, language, culture, and economics, as well as contributing to major conflicts like the American Revolution and the Indian independence movement.