British Empire
The British Empire comprised the territories, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom during the 18th to 20th century.
After the discovery of North and South America during the Age of Discovery, several European countries including England started colonization efforts in the Americas. By the 18th century, Great Britain had established several colonies in North America[1] and the Caribbean.[2]
During the early 18th century, the British Empire was at war with the Spanish Empire in the Caribbean Sea over territorial disputes, while also dealing with the threats of piracy. In 1718, the British Empire started its war on piracy, assigning Woodes Rogers as Governor of the Bahamas and giving him the task of offering the pirates a pardon if they would stop their criminal activities. By 1722, Rogers and several pirate hunters such as Benjamin Hornigold were able to effectively put a stop to piracy in the Caribbean.[2]
During the mid 18th century, the British Empire faced a rebellion of its colonies in North America, the Thirteen Colonies, who were dissatisfied with the rights they were given by their sovereign state. After the conflict intensified with the Boston Tea Party, the Battles of Lexington and Concord started the American Revolutionary War between the Thirteen Colonies and the British Empire. While the British maintained the upper hand during most of the conflict, the Continental Army under leadership of Commander George Washington eventually emerged victorious, and the colonies achieved their independence after the Treaty of Paris, resulting in the foundation of the United States.[1]
During the early 19th century, the British Empire started colonization efforts in India and were present during Ranjit Singh's reign as Maharajat of the newly founded Sikh Empire, maintaining a good relationship with the Sikhs for several years.[3]