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British colonies — discover their history from the early settlements to decolonization
At the height of its power, Britain had colonies in almost every corner of the world. This state of affairs lasted for a long time, because as late as the beginning of the 20th century, one in five people was a subject of the crown. The British Empire covered almost 1/4 of the globe! The expansion, which lasted more than 300 years, made Britain the world’s largest imperial power. What were the beginnings of British colonization like? What countries were under the sovereignty of the British crown, and why did the mighty British empire collapse? These and other questions are answered below.
The origins of colonialism can be traced back to antiquity, when Greek settlements were established in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions (the so-called “great colonization”). However, the actual development of this form of settlement occurred during the period of the great geographical discoveries.
Initially, the Portuguese and the Spanish were most interested in the conquest of new lands. Both powers had powerful fleets, and travelers eager for glory and privileges did not hesitate to take risks. England was soon to join the colonial race as well. When the Victorian era dawned, the British were already the world’s greatest imperial power.
