🌍The British Empire and the Commonwealth

How the largest empire in history became the Commonwealth.

1. The largest empire ever

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   During the Victorian period the British Empire grew to cover all of India, Australia and large parts of Africa, becoming the largest empire the world has ever seen.

2. Over 400 million people

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   The Empire had an estimated population of more than 400 million people, and many people were encouraged to leave the UK to settle overseas.

   so much so that

3. Questions about its future

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   In the late 19th century there was already discussion about the Empire's future, and the Boer War of 1899 to 1902 made people question whether it could continue.

   but later

4. Independence granted

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   In 1947 independence was granted to nine countries, including India, Pakistan and Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. Other colonies gained independence over the next 20 years.

   so after 1945

5. From Empire to Commonwealth

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   By the second half of the 20th century there was, for the most part, an orderly transition from Empire to Commonwealth, with countries being granted their independence.