The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and colonisation attempts by Scotland during the 17th century. At its height in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it became the largest empire in history and, for a century, was the foremost global power. By 1913, the British Empire held sway over 412 million people, 23 percent of the world population at the time, and by 1920, it covered 35.5 million km2 (13.7 million sq mi), 24 per cent of the Earth's total land area.
The apprenticeship system is abolished in most of the British Empire, and former slaves are no longer indentured to form
The apprenticeship system is abolished in most of the British Empire, and former slaves are no longer indentured to former owners
Historical Significance
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states.
Events Before
Canada grants its Black citizens the right to vote
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, making it the second-largest...
German composer Felix Mendelssohn (27) weds French clergyman's daughter Cécile Jeanrenaud (20), until his death in 1847
German composer Felix Mendelssohn (27) weds French clergyman's daughter Cécile Jeanrenaud (20), until his death in 1847
Charles Goodyear obtains his first rubber patent
Charles Goodyear obtains his first rubber patent
Earthquake in southern Syria kills thousands
Earthquake in southern Syria kills thousands
Michigan admitted as 26th US state
Michigan ( MISH-ig-ən) is a peninsular state in the Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwestern United States.
Events After
Louis Daguerre demonstrates his daguerreotype photographic process to the French Academy of Sciences
Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre was a French scientist, artist and photographer recognized for his invention of the eponymous daguerreotype process of photography.
English naturalist and "On the Origin of Species" author Charles Darwin (42) marries Emma Wedgwood (41)
Charles Robert Darwin (12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology.
First Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool: Jem Mason wins aboard 5/1 favorite Lottery
First Grand National steeplechase at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool: Jem Mason wins aboard 5/1 favorite Lottery
Dutch prince Willem Alexander (later William III) weds cousin Princess Sophia
Dutch prince Willem Alexander (later William III) weds cousin Princess Sophia
Louis Daguerre's daguerreotype photographic process with complete working instructions is published "free to the world"
Louis Daguerre's daguerreotype photographic process with complete working instructions is published "free to the world" in Paris as a gift from the French government
More from the 1830s
Slave plantation owner Charles Farquharson begins his diary at Prospect Hill Plantation, Watlings Island (San Salvador),
Slave plantation owner Charles Farquharson begins his diary at Prospect Hill Plantation, Watlings Island (San Salvador), the only plantation diary to survive from the Bahamas (ends Dec 1832) [1]
Curaçao census: 2,602 white people, 6,531 free people, 5,894 enslaved people
Curaçao census: 2,602 white people, 6,531 free people, 5,894 enslaved people
German Zollverein (Customs Union) comes into effect
The Zollverein, or German Customs Union, was a coalition of German states formed to manage tariffs and economic policies within their territories.
First official horse race in South Australia takes place in Adelaide
Adelaide is the capital and most populous city of South Australia, as well as the fifth-most populous city in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 1, 1838?
- The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and colonisation attempts by Scotland during the 17th century. At its height in the 19th and early 20th centuries, it became the largest empire in history and, for a century, was the foremost global power.
- Why is The apprenticeship system is abolished in most of the British Empire, and for... significant?
- The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states.