The British Empire: Early Signs Quiz

During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, which English explorer became the first to sail around the world?

In which century did the British Empire reach its height, covering over 20% of the world's land area and more than 400 million people?

What was the name of the English company established in 1600 for overseas commercial and trade interests?

Which European country had a large colonial empire in the Americas during the late 1500s?

After making peace with which country did England attempt further exploration and colonization in the Americas in 1604?

Where was the first real venture of English colonization in the Americas in the late 16th century?

What was the main economic policy driving the establishment of Britain's first empire?

Which region was the center of Britain's first empire in the 17th and 18th centuries?

When did India come under direct British rule?

What company played a significant role in England's presence in India during the 17th century?

What act was passed by the English parliament in 1651 to regulate imports into English harbors and colonies?

What was the intention behind establishing colonies under the mercantilist system?

What were the colonies primarily used as under the mercantilist system?

What drove England to closely regulate the affairs of its colonies?

What type of ships were stipulated by the Navigation Act to carry imports into English harbors and colonies?

What was an important factor in England's establishment of its first empire?

Where was the first permanent English settlement in New England established?

Which colony was based on the principle of religious toleration?

In which year was New Amsterdam seized from the Netherlands and renamed New York?

Who formed the colony of Pennsylvania under a royal grant in 1681?

What was impossible due to the distances involved in governing the colonies from England?

Under what royal grant was the colony of Pennsylvania formed?

What conflict led to the capture of French American possessions of Acadia and Newfoundland by British forces?

Which event established Britain’s territorial presence in the Mediterranean Sea for the first time?

What was accomplished by the Peace of Utrecht in 1713?

Which English colony was the first to be taken by force from a rival country?

What did the Royal Africa Company, formed in 1672, primarily aim to bring to the Caribbean?

What was the primary economic activity that transformed the West Indies into a plantation economy based on slavery?

During which conflict were Spanish possessions acknowledged to be under English control in the Caribbean?

Which type of labor force was initially provided by white indentured servants from England in the West Indies?

What was England's first foothold in the West Indies?

Which war led to the establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company near Hudson Bay for participation in the fur trade?