Was the USA part of the British Empire?

Question

Were the original 13 British colonies part of the British Empire and if so, why do they never appear on empire maps, or were they self governing?

Answer 1

Bruce,

America was absolutely part of the British empire. It began in Roanoke in 1580s--it never got established, it was "The Lost Colony." The British tried again with Jamestown, and with the Puritans settlements in Massachusetts, Quakers in Pennsyvania, and other areas.

These provinces (techincal name under British rule) had royal governors and/or other bodies accountable to the English monarch. Of course, with the distance of about 3000 miles and poor communication, the Colonist's generally had a lot of freedom, but were still technically under the British king.

When the British defeated France in the French and Indian War (1754-1763) in America--Seven Year's War in Europe (l756-1763) England gained a lot of territory. I have seen this show up on maps, including the 13 colonies or provinces. Why this would not be on other maps during this time and earlier I do not understand.

Answer 2

Technically they were part of the Empire but the strange thing is that the British Empire as we usually think of it: I.E. "The Sun never sets on the British Empire" did not really come into existence until after the American revolution. It was after losing the colonies that Britain turned its attention to India and the Far East

So the maps you see are usually after the Revolutionary War. They will show Canada as part of the Empire however

Answer 3

I'm sorry to say that you're mistaken. The British Colonies of North America which went on to become the United States were certainly part of the British Empire until they won their independence. The map you reference clearly says that it's a depiction of the British Empire in the 1920's. In the 1770's, the Atlantic Colonies would have been part of the empire too. Please examine the link below, particularly the last one which includes a map which shows the shape of the British Empire prior to the Revolution.

Answer 4

Technically, they were part of a British "empire"--but since the British Empire is usually associated with the period after the Revolutionary War (that is, with British dominion in Africa and India), the US is usually left out of account.

Answer 5

You could say that the USA is really part of the famous "empire" but the timeline of history tells us that the real "empire" began after teh American Revolution though it is acceptable to refer to the USA as a part. THe best way to see this is to pick up a history book and read, when it stops calling the U.K., England and starts calling it "Great Brittan" you have a pretty good indication of the "Empire"

Answer 6

Actualy - the largest part of North America stayed in the British Empire (And now the Commonwealth). Ever heard of Canada?!?!

Answer 7

Yes, they were part of the British Empire and were governed by it with some limited home rule. As to maps, You might try the Henry Popple map of 1730 at:

http://www.usm.maine.edu/maps/popple/


I'm sure there are others.