Definition:

Describes a major power’s desire to extend its ideological, political, military and economic influence far beyond the state’s national borders. Expansion can be achieved by making weaker countries economically, politically and culturally dependent on the stronger country.

The British Empire was the largest empire in history; more than 20% of the world’s surface belonged to Great Britain. The main reason for the empire-building was the protection of the wealth of the mother country through foreign trade and tax payments from colonies. The British island became a seafaring nation and won several naval wars with their strong fleet [dt.: Flotte]. The British Empire became a worldwide system of dependencies under the sovereignty [dt.: Herrschaft] of the British crown.

In the 16^th century, GB changed from a small European country into a major European power that “explored” and colonised European and Non-European landscapes and therefore built the British Empire.

Including the Spanish Armada, England defeated many countries under the command of Sir Francis Drake. In 1600, Great Britain became involved with the Indian continent for the first time when the East India Company was founded.

In the 17^th and 18^th century, Great Britain established settlements all over the world. Imperial ambitions increased and colonisation progressed over the 17^th and 18^th century.

Imperialism describes the urge for conquest [dt.: den Drang nach Eroberung] and the desire of a country to expand its ideological, military and political interests. For example, the British achieved their goal of maximising their returns [dt.: Erträge] through capitalism in the form of land, and people working in factories or railroads. In terms of capitalism, industrialisation brought a huge increase in output (taxes). Since 18^th century Britain was the perfect environment for pushing industrialisation, this time is considered one of the high points of the British Empire.