Major Colonial Empires in World History

Front

Portuguese Empire (1415-1999)

Back

First global maritime empire

Front

Name a key colony of the Portuguese Empire located in China.

Back

Macau

Front

Spanish Empire (1492-1976)

Back

First empire with territories across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania.

Front

Name two key colonies of the Spanish empire.

Back

Much of South & Central America, the Philippines, and parts of North America.

Front

British Empire (1583-1997)

Back

Largest empire in history by land area

Front

Name key colonies of the British Empire in Asia.

Back

• Indian Subcontinent: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

• Southeast Asia: Malaya (Malaysia), Singapore, Borneo, Burma (Myanmar).

• East Asia: Hong Kong, China (coastal concessions).

• Middle East: Aden Protectorate, Trucial States (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan (Transjordan). 

Front

Name key colonies of the British Empire in Oceania & Pacific.

Back

Australia: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania.

• New Zealand: New Zealand and various Pacific Islands.

• Pacific Island: Fiji, Solomon Islands, Gilbert & Ellice Islands (Kiribati & Tuvalu), Tonga, Papua New Guinea. 

Front

French Empire (1534-1980)

Back

Has two main phases: First (Americas) Second (Africa and Asia)

Front

What was the second largest empire in the world after the British Empire?

Back

France's colonial empire

Front

Dutch Empire (1602-1975)

Back

Primarily a commercial and maritime power.