The British Empire

What is the correct definition of an empire?

• The association of different countries on an egalitarian and democratic basis.

• A powerful country protecting weaker ones after they asked for help.

• A group of countries ruled by a single person, government or country.

What was Britain's primary goal in building an empire?

• Gaining power and wealth

• Spreading Christianity

• Fighting wars

What is a colony?

• A settlement controlled by a foreign, more powerful country inside another country.

• An old, historical town.

• A place where parents send their children during the holidays.

In which century did the British Empire start?

• 12th century

• 16th century

• 18th century

• 19th century

Answer explanation

The British Empire started at the far end of the 16th century, at a time when Elizabeth I was Queen of England and the British Navy was very powerful.

After which major historical event did the British Empire start to collapse?

• The Napoleonic Wars (1803 - 1815)

• World War I

• World War II

• September 11 attacks

Which word best describes Britain's treatment of the indigenous peoples in its imperial territories?

• Kind and considerate

• Repressive

• Generous

• Reasonable

Where were the first British colonies?

• East of the United Kingdom

• South of the United Kingdom

• West of the United Kingdom

What were the 13 colonies?

• The first British colonies in Africa.

• American colonies which declared their independence in 1776.

• Historical colonies in China.

Answer explanation

One of the major conflicts between Britain and its American colonies was on the taxation of tea and the monopoly of the East India Company.

This will lead to the Boston Tea Party of 1773, one of the first acts of revolt of the American Revolution.

Which of these countries never was under British rule?

• India

• United States

• Mexico

• Canada

Answer explanation

Mexico was part of the Spanish Empire.

Canada is still part of the British Commonwealth, an association of countries whose official head of state is the British monarch.

What were the most imported goods to Britain from the rest of the Empire?

• Gold, silver and precious stones

• Cotton, wool, wheat, sugar and tea

• Iron, wood, steel and coal.

Answer explanation

All these goods were used by everybody, they were not luxuries.

According to many experts, the British Empire marked, in a way, the start of the global economy.