What was the British Empire?

Question

Could someone please explain to me what the british empire means, and why it became so in simple words? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

At its peak, the British Empire was the largest formal empire that the world had ever known. For two hundred years, give or take a year or two, the British held sway over the better portion of the world. With colonies in North America, Canada, The Carribean, and their earlier take over in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the empires beginnings can be firmly placed in history. by the end of the 1800's, her colonies included Australia, New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, singapore and Malaya.
It means, simply, that England was THE world power of the time. She held more trade routes, natural resources, trade agreements and actual land than any other governement. The empire was said to cover a quarter of the world's land area, and a fifth of its population.

Answer 2

Basically, large parts of the globe under rule from Great Britain. Included large parts of North America (the USA becoming independent in 1776, but Canada remaining in the Empire), many islands in the Caribbean, India (including Pakistan), large parts of south-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand and large chunks of Africa. Great Britain was able to hold down such a large empire, mainly due to the fact that its navy obtained complete mastery of the seas (at least after Trafalgar). It provided something for younger sons of the aristocracy to become involved in.

Answer 3

The British Empire was the largest empire in history and for a substantial time was the foremost global power.