What is the Empire?
The British Empire was a network of territories, colonies, dependencies and protectorates built up over a period of three centuries. The Empire operated under the administration of the British government and under the sovereignty of the crown. Britain’s relationship with the various territories varied over time. Some were primarily military bases, while in others large-scale colonisation took place. There were two main periods of expansion. During the first, Britain established control in parts of modern day Canada, North America, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand and the Indian subcontinent. Following the American Declaration of Independence in 1776, British expansion into Asia and Africa brought the Empire further wealth. This was often at the expense and suffering of native peoples. Although most countries fought for, and won, their independence during the mid-twentieth century, relationships with Britain were frequently preserved. The British Nationality Act of 1948 ensured tha
