What is the British Empire like today?

Little remains of British rule today across the globe, and it is mostly restricted to small island territories such as Bermuda and the Falkland Islands. However, a number of countries still have Queen Elizabeth as their head of state including New Zealand, Australia and Canada – a hangover of the Empire.

Why is the British Empire important today?

The British empire was one of the most important developments in world history. The empire was huge, it lasted a long time and it brought tremendous changes to many parts of the world. For millions of people the world today is the way it is because of the impact of the British empire.

Is there still a British Empire?

Collectively, these territories are referred to as the British Empire. There remain, however, 14 global territories which remain under the jurisdiction and sovereignty of the United Kingdom. Many of the former territories of the British Empire are members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

How did the British Empire affect people’s lives?

Through the history of the British Empire, millions of people travelled huge distances across the world, some forced, and others looking for new opportunities. The British repeated this process many times, shifting workers to where they were needed. African slaves were transported to the Caribbean.

Is there still an empire today?

Officially, there are no empires now, only 190-plus nation-states. Moreover, many of today’s most important states are still recognizably the progeny of empires.

How did the British Empire help the world?

The British empire brought many changes to many people and many countries. Some of these changes involved innovations in medical care, education and railways. The British empire fought to abolish slavery in the 1800s, but it profited from slavery in the 1700s.

Who is the British Empire now?

The British Empire does not exist today. However, the Commonwealth is a free association of sovereign states comprising the United Kingdom and many of its former dependencies that acknowledge the British monarch as the association’s symbolic head.

What do British people think about the British Empire?

By three to one, British people think the British Empire is something to be proud of rather than ashamed of – they also tend to think it left its colonies better off, and a third would like it to still exist. Britain has long found it difficult to evaluate its former empire.

Would you like the British Empire to still exist today?

A third of British people (34\%) also say they would like it if Britain still had an empire. Under half (45\%) say they would not like the Empire to exist today. 20\% don’t know.

Should the British Empire be celebrated or condemned?

The Empire’s proponents say it brought economic development to parts of the world and benefited the countries it controlled. David Cameron has previously said the Empire should be “celebrated”. YouGov found 44 per cent were proud of Britain’s history of colonialism while only 21 per cent regretted that it happened. 23 per cent held neither view.

What is the legacy of the British Empire?

At its height in 1922 the British Empire governed a fifth of the world’s population and a quarter of the world’s total land area, but its legacy divides opinion.