Colonial Era

British Empire

1751 AD – 1913 AD · peak 1913 AD

At its peak around 1920, the British Empire was the largest in history, covering 35.5 million km² and encompassing one-fifth of the world's population. It transitioned from mercantile expansion to direct crown rule in India after 1858 and maintained global naval hegemony throughout the 19th century. Decolonization accelerated after 1945 as nationalist movements and the economic costs of two World Wars led to its dissolution into the Commonwealth.

Capital: London