Finally, let’s go. The biggest empire of all time. The big show. The champ is here… Wait. That’s in the next period. Think of this as the prequel. By 1763, the British Empire was still small time. It was a Trading Post Empire (see the map below). Notice their biggest colony?? It’s us (USA). So, they are about to lose that as well at the beginning of the next period. But, don’t feel bad for the measly British Empire. The British East India Trading Company is one of the biggest entities in the world during this period (and the next one too). It’s no VOC (Dutch), but it’s a big deal. So, get to know the British Empire… they’ll be here for awhile:

1. UNITED KINGDOM
2. PILGRIMS
3. JAMESTOWN
4. NEWFOUNDLAND
5. HUDSON BAY

1. PATENT GRANTED TO JOHN CABOT (1496), King Henry VII
2. LETTER FROM SIR FRANCIS DRAKE TO ELIZABETH I (1588), Sir Francis Drake
3. FIRST VIRGINIA CHARTER (1606), King James I
4. EAST INDIA COMPANY SALES CATALOG (1702)
5. THE GOOD AND BAD EFFECTS OF TEA (1745)

1. THE ARMADA PORTRAIT (ELIZABETH I) (1588),

2. BRITISH SUGAR PLANTATION IN ANTIGUA, 1823

3. GOLDEN HIND (REPLICA OF SIR FRANCIS DRAKE’S GALLEON HE USED TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE GLOBE)

4. COLONIAL JAMESTOWN (1614)

5. MIR JAFAR MEETS SIR ROBERT CLIVE AFTER THE BATTLE OF PLASSEY (1757)

1. This British Empire is not the one you’re looking for.
2. This empire is fine. But, it’s not the GOAT.
3. This one kicked off just after Columbus in 1496, but remained relatively small throughout the period.
4. Think of this empire as a Trading Post Empire along the US East Coast (13 Colonies), and some small trading posts along Africa and India.
5. Don’t forget the role of the British East India Company here. They are THE reason that Britain is so successful in the Indian Ocean.