How did the UK colonize so many countries?

Question

Great Britain is really small.And somehow it managed to concer somany countries alloverthe world. How?

Answer 1

Your other man has part of the answer...........superior naval power.

But you need to ally this with Britain's trading skills.

The first signs of Empire were the sugar and tobacco plantations in the Caribbean which were very profitable, followed by expansion into North America and Canada.

After the set-back of the American War of Independence and, following the Napoleonic wars in Europe, Britain was left as the strongest European power. While the other European countries were still involved in wars, Britain was left alone to pursue its expansion. This resulted in the colonisation of Australia and New Zealand, while the activities of the East India Company brought India into the Empire as well.

The wealth that these vast areas brought into the Empire allowed further expansion until almost a quarter of the world's population were part of the Empire.

Answer 2

Because Great Britain is an Island country and was a major world player at the time of colonisation, a strong and powerful navy was required to protect the country (remember no air planes back then so the only way it could be reached was by boat) When the race for the largest empire began, Britain had already established trade routes to major locations such as India (The East India Trade Company) and America, along with key stops like Egypt along the way. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

During the 1800's, maintaining British interests played a huge role in British Foreign Policy. By having a large Empire, Britain seemed to be a strong power in Europe.

The Balance of Power was also a huge part of Foreign Policy, and by having an empire, the balance of power could be maintained from any part of the Empire.

Also, Trade was extremely important during this period, and with a strong, vast empire, Britain could control the passage of ships and could import many goods.

Hope this helps, I have more information if required.

Answer 4

Well during the time it colonized the world global population levels were alot smaller then they are now.

For instance total global population at the beginning of the 20th century was somewhere between 1.2-1.8billion compared to 6.3billion now....

now to put that in perspective the UK's population has been relatively stable at about 80 million since the 1850's. The economy of the UK also developed earlier then the remainder of Europe and as such was able to make nations economically dependant and then assert actual political control.

Britain seldom invaded outright.... they often defended their gains though...

Read: A History of Britain S.Schama (or watch the BBC DVD's of the books....)

Answer 5

I think there were 2 main reason one is their country was protected from other european invadors because of their unique situation of their island so they could concentrate on colonizing and on the other hand because of their government structure actualy they first who knew that only business is important so they never got involved in the problems like French did they were more flexible to the regional culture of colonies

Answer 6

Mainly because it had a great navy, and lots of determination and well, they're British!

Answer 7

uk,had lots of people in its army and i think they were,well i only know that the spanish,americans and british had colonies

Answer 8

good navy, and smooth talking...it went something like this.

"(sticking flag in the ground) i claim this land for England."
"you can't do that we already live here"
"well do you have a flag?"
"no..."

Answer 9

The question is :

Why couldn't they keep the colonies they conquered??