About The British Empire?

Question

I was just thinking: I'm obsessed with Britain, I love it, it is, in my opinion, the greatest country in the World, however, it's only a shadow of it's "former glory"...do you think that it has a chance of becoming as powerful as it once was???...

I mean, it's not totally gone, they still have a major influence in the world, but I was just wondering?...

Josh;)

OK...i wasn't saying that it should take over it's former colonies!...I was just WONDERING whether or not it could once again be as powerful...

I do like the whole space idea...btw...

Josh;)

Answer 1

Josh I agree with you Great Britain extended with its colonies a deep level of civilisation. Sure we made some mistakes (e.g. slavery), but we were also the first to try and change this once we had recognised the error of our ways.

But you take the English language. Probably the greatest influence on the globe- as once people start to access your language, your literature: your visions, dreams, horrors, and creative forces, then they start to think more like you.

I think our power lies in the future of influencing the EU, the US, the Middle-East. The problem is that Blair sold our independence as he became Bush's Babe!

Watch out for Cameron is my advice. You will start to see the rise of the Union. Our ethical and political independence start to shape world-events without recourse to being another US state. He is a great world leader in waiting- you mark my words...

Answer 2

They can't reestablish an empire on Earth as Pauly S pointed out, so they can't become great by the methods used in the past.

But eventually there may be settlements in space, and who knows who will shine in that arena? I can't see space colonies ruled from London as former British colonies were, but the commonwealth system might work to everyone's advantage in a way that makes A new British Commonwealth collectively the greatest entity in space.

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Answer 3

Britain's influence on the world ended in 1947 with the loss of the Jewel in the Crown, India - its independence. In 1957, Britain and France attacked Egypt over a Suez Canal dispute, but by then, nobody recognized their unilateral decisions anymore.

After that, Britain is just another country in Europe though it still has considerable economic clout, especially in the Financial services sector.

Answer 4

I don't think they do.

Technology has shifted around the world, and Britain doesn't have the numbers to dominate the globe anymore. China is emerging as a power, it has the manpower, and India is beginning to wake up. Globalization and rapid trade have allowed developing countries to develop, and while many countries are still way ahead of others, I don't think anyone holds 'all the secrets' as Britain did during the industrial revolution, etc.

Also, their Navy is no longer the best in the world, and neither is their air force

They do have the best soccer though =D

Answer 5

I really don't think it does. Take away the huge empire and the major technological advantages that Europe as a whole had from about the 16th - 19th centuries, and it's just a fairly small island with very limited natural resources. It also has a quite small population compared to major powers like the US, Russia, China, or even Japan.

Answer 6

no, sorry, Britain doesn't stand a chance of becoming the major player that it once was. it's "former glory" was largely built upon its superior naval power ... but these days, what good's a bunch of ships?

Britain still has more political power in the world that other nations of similar size and resources. it's a cutlure that values tolerance and intelligence - very European, but also very independent and traditional.

but really, Britain is way overshadowed in world affairs by (for instance) Russia and the US (neither as wonderful as they once were, or pretend to be) and by those upstarts India and China.

Answer 7

Well, Britain reached it's peak by colonialism. That is to say, it spread it's influence on foreign shores, exporting mineral and material wealth back to England as it did. Just like France and Spain, only more so! That is why Britain was the undisputed world power for many years. But, in todays world, with no more lands to conquer, pilage, and plunder, the whole game has changed.. The answer to your question therefore is, NO!

Answer 8

Britain is still a trusted adviser to many, and in that there is power and influence.

The BBC News is very well thought of as unbiased.

British People are generally well thought of.

British Soccer fans are normally thought of as good.

I think that the power is there in a benign way.

The British Armed Forces are certainly respected as no nonsense and fair, and known to get the job done without 'Collateral Damage' and 'Friendly Fire'.

Answer 9

In the 20th century much of Britians colonies declared independence, and they didn't really fight too hard against it.

Britian could not be restored to it's former glory. If they tried to take over India and America again, it certinly wouldn't work. Even if they have the manpower to take over some of Africa they owned, the diplomatic problems, and the fact that it's dirt poor, would leave no point to doing it.

Answer 10

I agree- the British Empire was a wondrous thing and many benefited more from it than suffered.
How many Indians did we save from famine and disease?
How many natives did we raise up their living standards?
How many places did we end serfdom, absolute monarchy, slavery, tyranny and oppression?
How many benefited from Pax Britanniae?

It could be done again- we just require the will from government.
Japan is the no2 world economy and it is very similar to Britain- we simply need to emulate the Japanese. And also hang every Socialist possible.