How England Managed To Invade 90% Of The World

Summary

This script delves into the historical dominance of the British Empire, highlighting its vast reach from the 16th to early 20th centuries. It explores how Britain, through a combination of naval power, economic policies, private enterprise, and exploitation, including the slave trade, managed to invade and exert influence over a staggering 90% of the world's countries. The summary also touches on the strategic decisions that allowed Britain to amass such an empire, emphasizing the role of its formidable navy and the pursuit of wealth and resources.

Takeaways

• 🌞 The British Empire, at its peak, controlled vast territories and was historically able to exert influence over 90% of the world's countries through various means.
• 💂‍♂️ The British did not have troops stationed in 90% of the world at any given time; rather, they invaded or influenced these countries at different historical periods.
• 💼 The British Empire's expansion was driven by a combination of economic policies, private enterprise, and military might, with businesses often leading the charge in new territories.
• 🚢 The British Navy was a key factor in the empire's global dominance, with the largest and most powerful fleet, supported by Britain's strategic location and abundant resources.
• 💰 The pursuit of wealth, resources, and status motivated the British Empire's global expansion, with private ventures encouraged by the government to establish trade routes and colonies.
• 🛠️ Britain's industrial capacity, including coal, iron, and oak for shipbuilding, was crucial for maintaining its naval power and the need to conquer more land for resources was a driving force for expansion.
• 🏭 The British government supported private industry, which in turn fueled the empire-building process, with companies like the East India Company playing a significant role in colonization.
• 🌐 The British Empire's strategy involved not just military invasion but also economic exploitation, including the establishment of trade monopolies and taxation systems.
• 🔪 The empire's growth was also marked by darker chapters, such as the involvement in the slave trade, which provided significant profits and labor for the colonies.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The British were strategic in choosing which countries to invade, often avoiding landlocked nations due to the difficulty and cost of such endeavors.
• 🏅 The legacy of the British Empire is one of the largest and most influential in history, with its methods of expansion and control setting a precedent for global power dynamics.

Q & A

What was the significance of the phrase 'The sun never sets on the British Empire'?

The phrase signifies the vastness of the British Empire at its peak, indicating that there was always at least one part of the empire experiencing daylight, symbolizing its global presence and influence.

How much of the world's population did Britain control or exert power over by 1913?

By 1913, Britain controlled or exerted power over approximately 23 percent of the world's population, which is almost one out of every four people on the planet.

What economic policies and investments contributed to Britain's ability to thrive during its colonial period?

Britain's economic policies and investments in its Navy and trade ship fleet, along with the pursuit of lucrative business opportunities, allowed it to thrive and establish dominance across the world.

How did private armies and mercenaries play a role in the expansion of the British Empire?

Private armies and mercenaries were often hired by businessmen to establish ventures abroad. Once these ventures were set up, the Crown would offer protection and oversight, leading to the expansion of British influence even if the government did not directly order the invasion.

What geographical advantage did Britain have that contributed to its naval supremacy?

Britain's location allowed it to enjoy the prevailing westerly winds, positioning its ships 'upwind' of the rest of Europe, which was a significant advantage for sailing ships that relied on wind power.

Why was the British Navy's success not solely due to engineering feats but also attributed to luck?

The British Navy's success was partly due to luck because of the country's favorable geographical location and natural resources like coal, iron, and oak, which were essential for building ships, as well as the prevailing winds that aided sailing.

How did the British government's support of private ventures impact the expansion of the British Empire?

The British government's support of private ventures allowed individuals to mount their own expeditions and businesses abroad, with the understanding that they would pay taxes to the Crown. This led to a low-risk, high-reward situation for the government and fueled the empire-building process.

What role did the slave trade play in the expansion and profitability of the British Empire?

The slave trade was a significant factor in the expansion and profitability of the British Empire, providing cheap labor for colonies and generating massive profits that were reinvested in further expansion and colonization.

How did the British East India Company pave the way for the British invasion of East Asia?

The British East India Company established trade routes and brought in goods from the far east, demonstrating the region's potential for profit. This led to the British government recognizing the value of East Asia and subsequently expanding its influence in the region.

Which countries were not invaded by the British, and what common factors might explain their exemption?

The countries not invaded by the British include Andorra, Belarus, Bolivia, and others. Many of these nations are landlocked or located in regions that would have been costly or strategically unwise for Britain to invade, such as deep inland Europe.

What was the significance of the British government's policy on goods transportation within the empire?

The British government required that goods transported between colonies and other parts of the empire be shipped on English vessels, creating a closed system where the government could tax goods both as exports from colonies and as imports to Britain, ensuring a continuous flow of revenue.