Rise+of+British+Empire+-+Essay

   Britain’s contribution to our modern society has been so vast, that expressing our gratitude would only make us look impractical, as there are so many items and ideas that have originated from them. However, Britain’s great success during its rise could have only occurred through the assistance of its colonies. For example: through the assistance to the economy, especially through the process of mercantilism //("Mercantilism", The Columbia Encyclopedia: Sixth Edition, 2008)//, Britain was able to extract the pure wealth directly from its colonies and apply it to its success. Furthermore, this success was equally matched by many ideas and inventions that came throughout the colonies, and could have only been possible due to each colony’s geography and unique characteristics. However, these factors could only be implied to the colonies through the strong British government’s influence //("British Empire", Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD], 2008)//. This influence soon resulted in many British customs being practiced all over the world (through the colonies). Thus, __we can comprehend from Britain that having a successful empire requires the assistance of colonies.__

First, Britain spread the idea of mercantilism across its empire //("British Empire", Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD], 2008)//. This resulted in the colonies being loyal to Britain, and served as their main source of exports. Not only this, but most of the local government-earned profits earned in the colonies went back to the English government. Since Britain owned a variety of different colonies, one quarter of the world’s land, they used each of their strengths to provide themselves with the ammunition to drive profit. For example: during the rise, Africa was almost useless when it came to natural resources, however proved to be the backbone to the slave trade. Another example is the Caribbean: when British explorers first arrived, they did not find any cash crops available, however they did notice that soil was very arable. Thus, they imported plants, e.g. the sugar cane from Atlantic islands off Africa and the Mediterranean, and this became one of the most successful industries in British history //("West Indies." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD], 2008)//. This would never have been the case if Britain did not colonize. Their lands (primarily England) were meant for continental crops, and the vital tropical cash crops which overloaded Britain with wealth never would have existed. Even their other industries, such as mining, fishing, and logging, would never have been as successful without the diverse lands. Thus, Britain’s economy would have indefinitely been unsuccessful if it wasn’t for its colonies.

Second, many of Britain’s valuable ideas and inventions came from their colonies. This was due to fact that many of the early ideas weren’t needed or weren’t suited for Britain alone. However, after the basis of the idea was built, the British had manipulated it to make it original. This was the result of many inventions. One example is the Theory of Electricity, proposed and proved by Benjamin Franklin (in the British 13 Colonies) //("Bejamin Franklin [IV. Projects and Experiments]." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD], 2008)//. To prove his theory, Franklin fastened an iron spike to a silken kite, which he flew during a thunderstorm, while holding the end of the kite string by an iron key. When lightning flashed, a tiny spark jumped from the key to his wrist. However, the proving of this theory would have highly been not possible in England due to the fact that kite-flying was not very popular during the time. However, colonies such as The Thirteen Colonies considered the activity as a trend and highly skillful. Another idea was establishing fur-trading industry in northern Canada. This initiative would have failed if it wasn’t for the colonization of Upper and Lower Canada (they used these colonies for shelter, food and trading with the Aboriginals). The outcome of this process resulted in the creation of HBC (Hudson’s Bay Company) //("Hudson's Bay Company." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD], 2008)//. This was and currently is one of the largest and wealthiest Canadian (former British) corporations. Everything from the idea of limiting French control over the planet to getting strategic land placements have greatly benefited from the colonies. Thus, colonization was a vital role in establishing and successfully completing ideas.

Last, most of Britain’s culture and traditions were maintained and spread through its colonies. The British government was very strict in preserving its English heritage. For instance, Protestant monks were brought to every colony to spread Protestantism //("Protestantism", Encyclopædia Britannica, 2009)//. This was vital since there were not many Protestant nations on the globe in that period. However, time would prove otherwise. The United States of America is now one of the world’s largest hosts of Protestants. This was primarily due to the efforts by the British government during its control of the Thirteen Colonies. Not only the custom of religion, but also the colonial government was controlled by the British parliament and this idea of spread. The tradition of having a “mother country” was broadened throughout the empire, and all owed allegiance to it. Another example: during the Italian Renaissance, English literature was on the road to depletion //("History of English Literature", History World, 2008)//. However, the government then allowed only the importation of English-printed and written material in several colonies. This resulted in English literature getting back, and Italian writers actually moving to England. Soon, writers such as Shakespeare produced eminent plays and literature. This success saved not only saved English literature but spread its influence worldwide //("History of English Literature", History World, 2008)//. Therefore, we can comprehend that colonies played an essential role in preserving and spreading English culture and tradition.

The modern civilization can learn much from the success of the British if they examine Britain’s colonies. Colonization has helped Britain maintain a growing and stable economy, establishing and completing ideas, and also not only preserve, but also spread their culture and traditions. Only through colonization, Britain had been able to rise to the top, as the world’s most powerful and biggest nation during its imperial century. This is why “the sun never sets on the British Empire”. Thus, __we can comprehend from Britain that having a successful empire requires the assistance of colonies.__

**1** - "[|Mercantilism]." __The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition__. 2008. //Encyclopedia.com.// 10 May. 2009 <[]>. **3** - "Hudson’s Bay Company." // Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]//. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008. **4** - ** " ****[|Protestantism]**." __Encyclopædia Britannica__. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 10 May. 2009 <[]>. **5** - "West Indies." // Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]//. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008. **6** - "Benjamin Franklin [IV. Projects and Experiments]." Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008. **7 -** "[|History of English Literature]." __History World__. 2008. //Historyworld.net.// 10 May. 2009 <[|http://www.historyworld.net]>.  Rise of The British Empire | Home
 * References**
 * 2 -** "British Empire." // Microsoft® Student 2009 [DVD]//. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation, 2008.