British Empire

The British Empire was a vast colonial empire controlled by Britain from the late 16th century to the 20th century. At its height, it spanned numerous continents and included territories in North America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean. The empire facilitated trade, spread British culture and language, and often imposed British governance on local populations. While it contributed to global commerce and exchange, it also involved exploitation and oppression of indigenous peoples. The decline of the empire began after World War II, leading to the independence of many colonies and the eventual transformation into the Commonwealth of Nations.