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Empires over Time

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Empires over Time

The concept of empire has long existed in the history of civilisation. An empire is a collection of states that are ruled over by an emperor.

The history of empires

The history of empires

  • In the year 850, the Abbasid Caliphate ruled Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Iran. At this time, the Moors of North Africa ruled Spain & Portugal.
  • In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Mongol Empire dominated the world. It was most famously led by Genghis Khan, who is thought to have conquered more people than anyone else in history. The Mongol Empire included Mongolia, Pakistan, China, Russia, Iraq, Ukraine, and Iran.
  • Spain was the first major European country to build an Empire. In 1792, Spain ruled most of Latin America, Mexico, the USA, and the Philippines.
  • However, in 1920, the British Empire controlled 26% of the world's landmass.
Who had empires in the 18th and 19th Centuries?

Who had empires in the 18th and 19th Centuries?

  • England, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands were the main countries that pursued owning or controlling territories overseas.
  • These countries' empires and colonies often competed in trade and sometimes, militarily, capturing each others' colonies.
Why would a country want to control colonies?

Why would a country want to control colonies?

  • By controlling a colony, Britain could:
    • Secure an international market to sell British-produced goods into.
    • Secure access to raw materials at cheaper prices to help Britain's economic development.
    • Spread Christianity (which was practiced more commonly two hundred years ago). If other cultures and races were viewed as inferior, then spreading British civilisation and Christianity would be desirable.
    • Compete with other colonial powers and weaken their rivals in Europe.
    • Increase the country's power and prestige.
Were empires created by countries, companies, or individuals?

Were empires created by countries, companies, or individuals?

  • In the early stages of empires, individuals often led the colonial expansion.
  • In 1872 in Iran, a private businessman, Baron de Reuter bought the rights to a monopoly Iran's telegraph, transport, and mining industries.
  • Sir Francis Drake was an explorer and sailor who captured and stole resources from other ships and international territories. Some people think this is a form of piracy. Queen Elizabeth I received half of Drake's proceeds in exchange for her support.
  • In India, the East India Company administered much of India as a private company until 1858.
Jump to other topics
1

High Water Mark of the British Empire, 1857-1914

1.1

Development of Imperialism, 1857-1890

1.1.1Empires over Time1.1.2Key Questions About Empires1.1.3Expansion into Africa1.1.4History of Egypt1.1.5Control of Egypt1.1.6Control of Sudan
1.2

Imperial & Colonial Policy, 1857-1890

1.2.1The British Empire & India1.2.2The British Raj1.2.3International Relations with other Powers1.2.4Scramble for Africa1.2.5The Informal Empire
1.3

Trade & Commerce, 1857-1890

1.3.1Trade & Commerce in the Empire1.3.2Infrastructure of Trade & Commerce1.3.3Products of Trade & Commerce
1.4

Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1857-1890

1.4.1Explorers1.4.2Missionaries1.4.3Traders & Colonial Administrators1.4.4Government Attitudes Towards Imperialism
1.5

Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1857-1890

1.5.1Relations with India1.5.2Relations with South Africa1.5.3British-Boer Relations
2

Imperial Consolidation & Liberal Rule, 1890-1914

2.1

Consolidation & Expansion in Africa, 1890-1914

2.1.1Consolidation & Expansion into Africa2.1.2Consolidation & Expansion in South Africa2.1.3Historical Interpretations: Expansion into Africa
2.2

Imperial & Colonial Policy, 1890-1914

2.2.1Policy in India2.2.2Policy in Egypt2.2.3Native Policy in Colonies2.2.4International Relations with Other Powers
2.3

Trade & Commerce, 1890-1914

2.3.1The Benefits of Trade2.3.2Costs of the Empire2.3.3Debates Over Trade
2.4

Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1890-1914

2.4.1Key Administrators - Chamberlain & Rhodes2.4.2Key Administrators - Baring & Milner2.4.3Key Administrators - Curzon2.4.4Government Attitudes to the Empire2.4.5National Efficiency & the Boer War2.4.6Popular Attitudes Towards Imperialism
2.5

Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1890-1914

2.5.1Challenges in India2.5.2Challenges in Africa2.5.3Challenges in South Africa2.5.4Historical Interpretations of the Boer War2.5.5Relations & Business with Iran
3

Imperialism Challenged, 1914-1967

3.1

Expansion & Contraction of Empire, 1914-1947

3.1.1Impact of WW13.1.2Palestine3.1.3Ireland & WW13.1.4Impact of WW2 on the British Empire
3.2

Colonial Policy & Administration, 1914-1947

3.2.1Administration in India & Palestine3.2.2Administration in Iraq & the Dominions3.2.3Imperial Defence
3.3

Trade, Commerce & Economic Impact of War

3.3.1Economic Impact of WW13.3.2Inter-War Trade & Commerce3.3.3Economic Impact of WW2
3.4

Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1890-1914

3.4.1Colonial Administrators3.4.2Trusteeship3.4.3Gandhi3.4.4Montagu, Haig & Linlithgow3.4.5Cameron, Mitchell, Cohen & Furse - African Admins3.4.6Imperialist Ideals
3.5

Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1914-1947

3.5.1Ireland & India 1914-19473.5.2The Middle East and Africa
4

The Wind of Change, 1947-1967

4.1

Decolonisation in Africa & Asia, 1947-1967

4.1.1Reasons for Decolonisation4.1.2Decolonisation in East & West Africa4.1.3Decolonisation in Central & South Africa4.1.4Decolonisation in Asia
4.2

Colonial Policy & Administration, 1947-1967

4.2.1Relations & Business with Iran after WW24.2.2The 'Winds of Change'4.2.3The Suez Canal Crisis - 19564.2.4International Relations 1947-1967
4.3

Trade & Commerce, 1947-1967

4.3.1The Economic Impact of WW2
4.4

Attitudes Towards the Empire, 1947-1967

4.4.1Colonial Administrators: Cohen & Arden-Clarke4.4.2Local Leaders in the Independence Movement4.4.3Pan-Africanism in Nationalism
4.5

Post-Colonial Ties, 1947-1967

4.5.1Windrush & Immigration4.5.2Commonwealth Immigrants Act4.5.3Residual Impact of the Empire
4.6

Relations with Indigenous Peoples, 1947-1967

4.6.1Challenges to Colonial Rule Post 19474.6.2Kenya & the Mau Mau Uprising4.6.3Nigeria & Rhodesia

Practice questions on Empires over Time

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    Which Empire was the largest in history?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Countries from which continent had the largest empires in the 19th Century?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    Who is the most famous leader of the Mongol Empire?Multiple choice
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Key Questions About Empires