The British Empire originated from the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th / 17th century. At its peak, the British Empire the largest empire in history and for over a century, was the biggest global power. By 1922, the British Empire held power over about 458 million people, one-fifth of the world’s population at the time and covered more than 13,012,000 square miles, almost a quarter of the Earth’s total land area.

Computer Hope

British Empire Map of the World – Animated GIF Image

What does this British Empire Map show?

The Origins (1492 – 1583 )

In 1496 King Henry VII, following the successes of Spain and Portugal in overseas exploration, commissioned John Cabot to lead a voyage to discover a route to Asia via the North Atlantic. The voyage was a success but there were no attempts to make a settlement.

The First British Empire (1583 – 1783)

In 1588, the forces of Elizabeth I defeated the Spanish Armada took significant steps towards an ultimate global empire. The 17th century saw the formation of British colonies in North America and India, leading to conflicts and emerging victory over its rivals: The Netherlands and France. Britain occupied almost all the Dutch and French territories in the New World and Asia.

The Second British Empire (1783 – 1815)

The American War of Independence saw Britain lose its colonial stronghold in America 1783. The United States (supported by France, the Netherlands and Spain) fought off the British to regain occupied land.Defeated British loyalists migrated to Canada after independence was established in the US.

The Constitutional Act of 1791 created the provinces of Upper Canada and Lower Canada to defuse tensions between the French and British communities occupying Canada at this time. After this time Britain focussed the growth of it’s Empire towards the pacific, resulting in settlements in Australia and New Zealand.

Britain’s Imperial Century (1815 – 1914)

This century saw extended growth across occupied countries including the unification of Canada to create a single province and an extension through Africa from Cape Town to Cairo.

World Wars & Decolonisation (1914 – 1997)

Britain’s victory in World War 1 saw the Empire grow to its most prosperous period. But after World War II, Britain’s global empire collapsed. Britain decided to give back colonies/decolonise. They had taken all the available resources from each country, Christianity had reached spread the world over and English was a globally recognised language. Many of the colonies the Empire had ruled over wanted to be in charge of their own country rather than being led by the British from London.

One of the last areas of the British Empire to be decolonised was Hong Kong, which was given back to China in 1997. Britain retained its title as a ‘Superpower’ in 1982 during the Falkland’s War, a War against Argentina over the possession of the Falkland Islands.

There are currently 14 remaining overseas territories under UK sovereignty.

British Empire Map of the World

This vintage British Empire Map of the World shows all the major commercial routes of the world in 1896 as well as oceanic currents.

Old British Empire Map of the World 1896

 

Of course for a more modern take of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, you may enjoy shopping our range of British Isles Wall Maps. We have a wide range of high quality British Isles wall maps available to buy online in our map store. From Administrative and Routeplanning maps to a classic map of the UK countries, we’ve got a stunning variety to choose from.

 

Uk Classic Map

For more maps of the British Isles, visit Maps International