What is an empire and how did the British Empire begin?

L/O – To define what an empire is and explore how the British Empire began

Starter – What is an empire? Come up with a definition of your own

What was the British Empire?

What does the map suggest about Britain’s power in 1890?

What is an Empire?• Empire = a collection of tribes, regions,

territories, states or even countries that are ruled over and controlled by one leader or ‘mother’ country.

• Areas controlled by the ‘mother country’ are usually called colonies, but sometimes are called protectorates, dominions or dependencies.

1. In your own words, explain what is meant by the terms ‘empire’ and ‘colony’.

2. Why do you think the term ‘mother country’ is sometimes used when describing empire nations?

How does a country get an empire?• Force is the main method

used by a country to build up an empire. Rich and powerful countries with plenty of soldiers would march in and take over other countries.

• Sometimes deals were made to avoid war – but in general, it was large, well-organised countries with big armies who were the ‘empire-builders’.

Why do countries want empires?• There are lots of reasons why countries take

over others. Can you think of any?

1. Resources/Trade – Get rich2. Punishment – As a result of war3. Competition – To get the biggest empire4. Strategic Reasons – To protect vital sea lanes

and trade routes5. Religious Beliefs – To bring the word of ‘God’ to

‘uncivilised savages’3. Write a paragraph explaining each of these reasons in your book.4. What is the most significant reason for having an empire?

How did the British Empire begin?• The British Empire began on 5th

March 1496. On this date the 1st Tudor King, Henry VII, asked an Italian explorer to go out and search the world for any ‘islands, countries, regions or provinces’ that were ‘unknown to all Christians’.

• The explorer was instructed that, if he discovered any new lands, he was to claim them for England.

Now read the hand-out and answer questions 1-3

Plenary1. What is an empire?2. What is a colony?

3. What does the term ‘mother country’ mean?4. Name 3 reasons why a country would want an

empire5. Which English King first started the British

Empire?

Did we meet our learning objective?L/O – To define what an empire is and explore how the

British Empire began