The Modern British Empire

By Rhythm Prism

In the pages of this book the names of many people have been mentioned. Some of these people were powerful. Some were not. Behind these names are hidden millions of others, silent heroes and victims of empire.

The people who built the British Empire were not unique in their courage, ambition or greed. There have been other empires and there surely will be more in the future. Perhaps if we understand a little about how the British Empire grew and affected those it touched, we may have a key to understanding the operation of all empires. Perhaps, understanding this empire will teach us about the way fortune smiles upon some and does not smile upon others.

Whether we learn a lesson or not from reading about the British Empire, one thing is certain. The history of its rise and decline is full of drama and tragedy. No playwright or novelist has ever imagined a story more rich or textured than that offered by the true experiences of actual people.

The Modern British Empire is part of Rhythm Prism's Reading for Fun and Comprehension series. While some books in this series are designed for the young reader, this volume may also be enjoyed by more sophisticated readers. Each book in the series has included vocabulary and comprehension exercises, as well as map and essay challenges.

There is a print version of this, and other books, in the Reading for Fun and Comprehension series. The print version is in workbook form and allows for responses within the pages of the book.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhythm Prism
• Release date: Jan 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311251831

Rhythm Prism

Rhythm Prism's catalogue is constantly growing. The most recent additions are geared toward a general readership. These newer books do not eclipse our earlier issues. These encompass adult/youth writing development and education for school-age youth.All of Rhythm Prism's books are guided by a few basic principles: learning is a lifelong process; complex material can be explained in simple terms; pictures always enhance text; responsible research is essential to every work of nonfiction. There's a final, over-arching principle: don't bore the reader.A wide range of subjects is covered. This ambitious scope is a reflection of our writer's perspective. A. G. Moore has been a teacher, a student, a researcher and an author. Each of these skills is evident in the books she produces.Please take a look at our books for adults and youth. Check back regularly because we are always developing new material.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The Path to Empire

Bombardment of Tagenrog 1855; picture courtesy of the City of Tagenrog

In this picture, British and French forces, who were allies during the Crimean War, are attacking a Russian city, Tagenrog, with cannon fire. The bombardment of Tagenrog was fierce. Three separate attempts were made to take over the city, but the Russian defense did not fall. So much damage was done to this city during the attacks that after the war the Russian government did not collect taxes from the city for a time. Citizens needed the tax money to rebuild structures that had been knocked down by the attacks.

Most people have heard of the Roman Empire. When this empire was great, the armies of Rome advanced across ancient lands and conquered large areas. Before the Roman conquests, there were other empires, other powers that were mighty and ruled vast territories. All these empires had two things in common: they rose to great heights, and then they went into decline.

In modern times, the British Empire, at its height, reached around the globe. During the nineteenth century, Britain was the greatest empire in the world.

The story of the British Empire began hundreds of years ago, but this book will focus only on the period between 1822 and 2007. As maps in this book will show, in the early twentieth century, Britain controlled territory on every continent. This is no longer true, but like most great empires that decline, Britain left behind a legacy. Learning how the British Empire rose and the factors that led to its decline will help us to understand much of modern world history.

Besides, this is a fascinating story. It is a story of people, not just of English people, but also of people the British Empire affected as it rose to power, and then declined.

War is costly and deadly; nations that are powerful often win. With victory comes great reward. Treaties are signed. Losing parties agree to unfavorable terms. This happened when Britain won the Crimean War, the Boer War and countless other conflicts.

The Crimean War offers a good example of how armed conflict helped England to expand and maintain its empire. One reason England went to war in the Crimea was because of concerns about who would control sea travel between the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. Though there were other causes for the Crimean War, freedom to travel the seas unopposed was very important for Britain.

Throughout its history, England has fought many times to insure its ability to sail freely all over the world. Because England is a small country located on a small island, its navy and commercial fleet are vital to its defense and wealth.

Painted in the 1850s; copyright expired

This battleship, the HMS Agamemnon2, was part of the fleet that fought during the Crimean War. The ship was first set to sea in 1853. It was powered by steam and fitted for battle with cannons and guns. Many countries besides England have depended on sea power for defense, and for wealth. In the nineteenth century, most of the countries in Europe tried to acquire colonies on other continents. These European countries competed for the colonies. Armies were raised and navies built as nations scrambled for territory. This scramble was especially evident in Africa.

By 1898 eight European countries had divided the African continent up into many different colonies. The Europeans hoped to get rich from their African colonies. Little interest was shown in the welfare of people who lived there. Often, cruelty was used to control the local