Was England ever a world power?

Question

Like Romans once were, like Ottomans, like Mongols, like Hitler, like USA today, was England ever a world power?

um sick of it! forget it!

Answer 1

Duh! During the 15th and 16th centuries three great powers were England, Spain, and France; and they took turns being friends with always two against the odd one out. However, during the 16th century the English really expanded and developed their navy into a world class one and during the reign of Elizabeth I defeated the Spanish Armada and ended all hopes of Spain to invade and conquer England. This also pretty much ended Spain as a serious contender for all time.

England and France continued to be enemies for the next 300 years until Wellington's defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo. In time other countries developed their armies and navies, but for hundreds of years England ruled the waves, and in those days before airplanes that meant they ruled their area of the world with no serious challengers.

They practically bankrupted themselves fighting WWII and rebuilding the country following that war and that, coupled with the end of their colonial empire in more politically correct times, ended any claim to be a world power.

Answer 2

Most definitely - - - a rough timeline would be 1760 to 1947. Though the Brits would argue and say they are still a World Power. World War One and Two weakened Britain and after the loss of India & Pakistan, one could argue that Britain was most defintely third or behind the US of A and the Soviet Union.

During the whole of the 1800's and up to 1914 the United Kingdom was THE WORLD POWER and it was said with pride that the Sun Never Set Upon the British Empire.

Peace----------------------

(and Hitler was NEVER a World Power - - - that ought to get me a few thumbs down - - - merely a European Power...

Answer 3

Yes. Centuries! I'd like to have a chat with who ever is / was responsible for your education. For many years the saying was "the sun never sets on the British empire."

Try a google search or Wikipedia using search terms such as: Great Britain, United Kingdom and British Empire. See also books about Queen Elizabeth I; Sir Francis Drake. Also the Oxford History of Britain by Morgan; History of Great Britain by Baltz, and there are literally thousands more.

Answer 4

Yes, definitely. The U.S. declaration of independence may have been the beginning of the empire's decline. Canada, India, Pakistan, Australia, and about half of Africa were all once under British rule. Because their possessions went around the world, the slogan was "The sun never sets on the British Empire."

Answer 5

Yes. They led the Industrial Revolution and were a major naval power in the world during that time..so late 18th century/early 19th century.

Answer 6

yeah i would be begging to host it as well if i was english, because that's the only way yous will qualify for the world cup again lol, whoever is the manager at that time will become an instant hero well until yous get knocked out in the 1/4 finals lol

Answer 7

Oh yes. Think of all the countries England used to occupy.

Answer 8

england was, and had the largest empire ever at one point. for a nation of its size it was quite remarkable. even the us was owned by britain. but these things come to an end, some enjoy gloating while u can...

Answer 9

Are you kidding? I’m no pommie, but even I know that at one time the sun never set on the British Empire! My God, we’re speaking English aren’t we? I guess we call it English, they tell me that I’m speaking that “Yank Trash.”

Read the Wikipedia article, it’s gives a good brief.

Answer 10

Have you ever been to a library. Or, are you trying to take a pot shot at the English.