The British Empire

The British Empire grew from the 16th century onwards. At its peak during Queen Victoria's reign, it covered about a quarter of the world's land surface. Key aspects: • Trading colonies in India, Africa, the Caribbean, and Australia • The slave trade (abolished 1807; slavery abolished 1833) • Spread of English language, legal systems, and institutions • Mixed legacy: economic development but also exploitation • The Empire gradually became the Commonwealth of Nations (54 countries)