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Detailed Map of British
Colonization history
by James Mayfield (Chairman, European Heritage Library)
 Print
this Article • About
the Author • Bibliography/Sources
Below is one of our exclusive
and detailed maps of the British Colonial Empire from the
establishment of the first colonies in the 17th century until
the eventual dissolution borne of the post-war liberalism
and decolonization movement. This EHL map shows the dates
of colonial rule, the provincial administration structure
(such as the division of the New World into New Spain and
New Granada), and each province's ultimate fate (transfer
to another power, independence, etc.). Disparate trading settlements
are not shown; only full colonial possessions are marked.
The British empire was the
greatest, largest, and wealthiest empire the world has ever
seen, dominating more land, cultures, religions, ethnic groups,
and kingdoms than the Mongol empire, the Romans, or any other
European maritime competitor. Even where the British did not
formally exert colonial authority, their influence seldom
failed to reach even the most remote parts of the world. This
map discerns between "puppet" colonies and formal
colonies: the former retained a face of autonomy but were
altogether influenced by or dependent upon the British. The
British, French, and Dutch still retain colonies to this day,
although modern calls for self-determination and liberalism
have made colonialism merely ceremonial. The Commonwealth
structure still exists today as a legacy of British domination
and functions as a network of mutual economic and political
cooperation.
This map considers the colonial
conquests of New Zealand, Australia, and Canada as part of
the British empire because each of the three were largely
dependent upon the British Crown until after World War II.
Click the below map
for the full-size version! Click on the map again to zoom.
If an error has been made,
please notify the EHL Staff.
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ABOUT
THE AUTHOR:
James Mayfield is the owner
and Chairman of the European Heritage Library. I am working
for a doctorate in history, with a specific emphasis on Islamic
and European histories. I am well versed in all world cultures,
ethnicities, religions, languages, politics, and historical
evolution in relation to and against each other.
BIBLIOGRAPHY/SOURCES
USED:
The image used as the basis
for the map is widely distributed and not protected.
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