Quiz-Time: The British Empire

1.How big was the British Empire at its height in the ninenteenth century?

• largest Empire in the world

• covered a quarter of the world‘s surface

2. How did Britain come to rule so much territory?

• wealthy nation

• strong army and navydefeated other European countries and indigenous people

• technological advances (railroads, telegraph, etc.)

3. What were Britain’s motives?• trade (e.g.: East India Trading Company)• economics (gaining wealth)• politics (to be more powerful than other

European countries)• religion (spread Christianity)• adventure and curiosity

4. What changes did the Empire bring about?

• liberal colonies were given medical care,

transport systems and education aim of self-rule

• treated indigenous peoples like children who needed to be educated

discrimination and prejudice

5. Why did the Empire decline?• loss of wealth and prestige in World Wars I+II

• British rebuilt their own country rather than others

• members of the Empire officially ruled themselves or became independent (not always peacefully!)

6. What is the Empire’s legacy?• formation of the Commonwealth

• former colonies still have links with Britain

• former colonies are based on British law, military and civil systems