In our most recent history, the British Empire was the last dominate imperial power the world had seen.  The British Empire’s days of conquest were born with the creation of the East India Trading Company which allowed the English to spread their influence, culture and goods all around the globe. From the 1600’s until the end of World War II, the empire created by the British was a beacon for all other nations of the world to follow.  They were leaders in all major aspects of nation development.  Their military was a force to be reckoned with.  Through highly sophisticated weaponry, strategy and technological innovations, the British Empire was able to impose their will and establish colonies to practically every region of the world.  The Empire was able to create colonies in North and South America, South and East Asia (including Australia in the Pacific Ocean) and ruled almost half the land mass in Africa at one point in time.  In addition to their military, the British were advanced in the field of medicine, industry, communication and had a high sense of group identity and unity.  The British Empire not only had the best of everything, but also believed in their superiority to others.  The British Empire felt obligated to lead the world by example to achieve the standards that the British believed all should achieve.  Despite the empire coming to an end after 350 years, Great Britain still remains one of the most influential nations in the world.  The numerous innovations introduced to the world by the British Empire still continue to be the foundation for further growth and development in other nations.  Although there were many important events, people and icons associated with the British Empire, I decided to pick the ten most significant people and events that I felt best portrayed the key components of this empire finding and maintaining their superiority until their decline in Mid-20th century.

Image: The British Empire during the end of their imperialist days in the 20th century were commonly referred to as “The Watch Dog of the World”, symbolized by this bull dog.