British colonies abroad had been in existence as far back as 16th and 17th centuries. In the Carribbean region, Britain controlled Jamaica, Barbados and some small islands. These Carribbean islands were valuable to the British because they serve as the base for the money spreeing sugar industry as at that moment.
Between the range of 1756 and 1763 the British fought against the France for the control of some foreign territories. Britain won this war which makes India and the region that is now referred to as Canada to be under British colonies and not french colonises or occupation.
The British empire continued to spread across the globe during this period. Moreso, the Australian colony of new South Wales was formulated in 1788. Likewise, Trinidad and Tobago were added to the British possessions in the Carribbean region.
Starting with cape colony in 1806 a whole series of territories fall under British control in Africa. British expands its colonies to Hong Kong in 1842 and Singapore in 1842 in the far Eastern region.
In the late 18th century, the British government had become more involved in the affairs of the east Indian company in order to avoid loss or bankruptcy for the people who traded with India.
The cape colony was valuable for British because it serves as a stopping point for ships in Africa on their way to India or Australia.
The British increasingly extend their control in China to protect missionaries from being attacked and invaded.
People in Britain also expressed interest in the exploits of explorers which include Burton and Speke which had caused some quarrel in the 1850s in which some of them had been detected the source of the Nile.
In 1870 European countries had expanded their influence in Africa and owned 10% of it and in 1900 European countries had owned about 90% of Africa.
Some reasons that contributed to the growth of British empire;
1- Trade
2- Sea routes and navigation
3- Religion such as Christianity
4- Adventure and research
5- Rivalry in Europe over colonial expansion and other factors.
1- Trade
British begin with trading in some colonies as settlements. As the settlements grew higher, the British government soon had to take control of the growing number of settlements in order to protect the people.
2- Sea routes and navigation
In most cases as regards British occupation once a certain part of the world, she often wants to take control other regions in order to make sure that the sea routes were safe for the ships and merchants and out of influence or aggressive attacks from pirates.
3- Christianity and Missionaries
Many British people had some believe that it is necessary or a call of duty for them to spread their religion and beliefs to other parts of the world.
4- Adventure and Research
Many explorers and researchers wanted to be the pioneer discoverer of new lands or topographic structures. British people were mostly excited by stories, discoveries, research findings and explorations.
5- Rivalry in Europe over colonial expansion and other factors
Towards the end of the 19th century many countries from the Europe were eager and keen to gain control over lands as a way of gaining and achieving more influence and power. No one wanted to be left behind or denied in the race in the race for new territories and colonies.
That's all as regards the post and more would be discussed in the subsequent posts and happy blogging.
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