empire is a word you should know about and be aware of as it has affected all our lives and continues to cause controversy today. 

In recent times we have saw huge protests around the world connected to the Black Lives Matter movement. This was sparked by the mistreatment of black people in the United States but it has become a larger worldwide movement which has caused societies to reassess their history. In some areas statues of people have been pulled down due to their slave owning past. Events such as the Last Night of the Proms have been called into question over the percieved lyrics and meaning behnd such songs as Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory

The British empire in particular was the biggest the world has ever seen. It has left a legacy of both good and bad which shape our world today and which we have to understand. 

WHAT COUNTRIES WERE PART OF THESE EMPIRES?

There were lots of empires throughout history. These developed over time - sometimes over centuries. The Spanish empire was huge and powerful in the 16th century. The fact that much of central and southern America speak Spanish is a result of this. The French empire became powerful in the 18th and 19th centuries. Britain's empire was established over many centuries and reached its height in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was the largest empire in history and was so big that it was said the sun never set on it. 

HOW DID THE BRITISH EMPIRE DEVELOP?

The British empire was centuries in the making and as you can see it had times where it lost territory as well as won - United States being one such loss. It was at its height in the 20th century. It brought great wealth with it but it also brought many problems too. 

Gerrynobody - Wikimedia

why did the british become empire builders?

Look at all the varying reasons below. You will see there is a lot of reasons why they became empire builders. Can you work out which categories each belongs to?

explorers of empire

henry hudson

john cabot

sir francis drake

sir walter raleigh

how did the british take control of india?

India was a huge and essential part of the British empire - so much so that it was known as the 'Jewel in the Crown' of the empire. It contained vast amounts of resources to make use of. It had a huge population of millions of people, who could be a massive market for British goods. The population could also be used to fight for the British. For centuries there was a British interest in India but this began to become more permanent and controlling in the 18th and 19th centuries. Much of this control was gained not through the British government but through the actions of an immensely powerful British company called the EAST INDIA COMPANY. It was so wealthy that it had its own army. Its actions would gradually lead to British control of India

clive of india

After the death of Aurangzeb wars broke out between rival princes. French traders helped the princes win battles and in return the princes promised to trade with the  French.
•In 1750 British trade in India seemed to be doomed. The French and the Indian princes they supported were on the verge of complete victory! Unless the Company did something to stop this, it would be squeezed out of India.

There are varying views even still about Robert Clive. His supporters regard him as a hard working and talented man who skillfully worked to overcome serious British challenges in India and secure Britain's long term presence in India. His critics suggest he was simply extremely lucky and helped by circumstances. Look at the reasons below and work out the evidence for each. Come to your own conclusion. 

the jewel in the crown - 'british india' 

The 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the British Empire at its height in India. Queen VICTORIA became EMPRESS OF INDIA and the entire country including modern day India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Myanmar (Burma) was known as the RAJ. The British took great pride in this vast jewel in its empire. They used it for trade. They transported vast quantities of material to Britain and imported and sold lots of goods made in Britain. Christian missionaries attempted to spread Christianity. Railroads would connect the country like never before and bridges and roads were built to improve communications. Cities grew and many new public buildings were built. However, there was also deep hardship and continued poverty. Racism remained and the whites remained in all the positions of power. There was no representative democracy until the 20th century. A vast famine swept India and killed millions in Bengal in the 1940's. Many Indians campaigned for freedom including he famous Mahatma Gandhi. 

was empire good or bad?

ANALYSIS