The first British colonies were established in North America in the 16th century. By the 18th century, Britain had also gained control over India, much of Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. The British Empire reached its peak in the late 19th century, when it controlled about a quarter of the world's population.
However, the British Empire began to decline in the early 20th century. The American Revolution, the Irish War of Independence, and the two world wars all contributed to the empire's decline. In 1947, India, the empire's most populous colony, gained independence. By 1960, most of the remaining British colonies had also become independent.
Today, the United Kingdom is a much smaller country than it was at the height of the empire. However, the UK still retains some of its former influence through its membership in the United Nations, the European Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Here is a timeline of some of the key events in the history of the British Empire:
* 1497: John Cabot claims Newfoundland for England.
* 1607: The English establish the first permanent settlement in North America, at Jamestown, Virginia.
* 1763: The British defeat France in the Seven Years War and gain control of Canada and India.
* 1776: The American Revolution begins. The United States declares independence from Britain in 1783.
* 1839: The British defeat China in the First Opium War and gain control of Hong Kong.
* 1857: The Indian Rebellion of 1857 fails, but leads to the British government assuming direct control of India.
* 1914: The British Empire joins the Allied Powers in World War I.
* 1922: The Irish Free State gains independence from Britain.
* 1939: The British Empire joins the Allied Powers in World War II.
* 1947: India and Pakistan gain independence from Britain.
* 1960: Most of the remaining British colonies in Africa gain independence.
* 1997: Hong Kong is returned to China.