Maps of the British Empire and the Commonwealth

These images are Copyright © 1998 Matthew White

The British Empire, established over the course of three centuries, began in the late 16th century with charted commercial ventures in sugar and tobacco plantations, slave trading and missionary activities in North America and the Caribbean Islands.

During the late 19th and early 20th century, the British Empire reached the height of its power - ruling over large parts of Africa, Asia and America.

The term 'Commonwealth of Nations', was first used in 1926. It is a group of territories throughout the world historically ruled by Britain. In 1931 the lands of the British Empire had been formally joined together within a 'British Commonwealth'. After 1957 this became a Union of Independant Nations, most of which had formerly had links with Britain. While some newly independant Nations Kept the British Monarch as their head of state, others became republics.

Today the 'Commonwealth' consists of both republics and Nations ruled by the British Monarch. Every four years these Nations gather to take part in a series of friendly games, known as the Commonwealth games.

Researched by Kafeel