Imperialismo británico en el siglo XVI

Title: The British Empire: From a Small Island to a Global Power

[Vignette 1] Britain's unexpected rise to power started with its small island, but the story goes back to the 16th century. British colonization didn't begin in the 18th century as many believe, but rather during intense competition with Spanish and Portuguese. Their first colonial empire focused on the Americas, which they mostly lost due to U.S. independence in the late 18th century.

[Vignette 2] Undeterred, Britain traced new territories, marking the beginning of their second and largest colonial empire. By the 19th century, Britain's strategic moves and being the only major power in the game gave them the best pick of territories. Their empire was economically driven, not solely for economic reasons but rather based on economic power.

[Vignette 3] At the onset of European expansion in the late 18th century, Britain led the way, holding major territories such as: Eastern Canada, Antillean islands, Western African regions (Gambia, parts of Sudan), significant territories in India, and vast areas in Australia.

[Vignette 4] The British Empire continued expanding, dominating a quarter of the planet's land by the late 19th century. They strategically designed their colonies based on the characteristics of the territories and their own needs.

[Vignette 5] The Indian subcontinent was the British Empire's primary focus in Asia. The presence in India has three main phases:

1. Before 1773: The East India Company launched private colonial exploitation.
2. Between 1773 and 1858: The Company and Crown shared the government.
3. From 1858 to 1947: The Crown had exclusive control.

[Vignette 6] The Indian presence of the British underwent significant changes due to a mutiny by native soldiers in 1857. This led to the establishment of a stricter control through the appointment of a viceroy and a mixed council of British and local Indian elites. However, the growing Indian nationalism eventually led to independence in 1947.

[Vignette 7] By the mid-19th century, the British had a strong presence in India, expanding from Delhi to Kashmir and Bengal to lower Burma. Post-restructuring, they completed conquests, securing territories against Russian and French ambitions, respectively.

[Vignette 8] In the last two decades of the 19th century, Britain added important yet well-defined territories, solidifying their global influence.