Britain

Question 1

When did they emerge and heighten as a superpower?

Answer 1

Emerged in 18th century and heightened in 1921.

Question 2

What was the British empire founded on?

Answer 2

Exploration and sea power

Question 3

What percentage of the world did they cover?

Answer 3

25%

Question 4

What and when were the 3 phases of their colonial rule?

Answer 4

1) Mercantilist (1600-1850)
2) Imperial (1850-1945)
3) Decolonisation

Question 5

What happened in the Mercantilist phase?

Answer 5

Small colonies were set up on coastal fringes and islands
There was a trade focus of slaves and raw materials such as sugar
Defended private trading companies

Question 6

What happened in the imperial phase?

Answer 6

The colonies extended inland
Religion and British culture was introduced (cricket)
Government and institution was set up
More complex trade network development
Technology to connect distant parts (railways and telegraph)

Question 7

What happened in decolonisation?

Answer 7

Post WW2
UK bankruptcy
Empire cannot be supported
Growing anti-colonial movements 
India colonies granted independence
More focus on postwar reconstruction at home

Question 8

What is Britain’s current status?

Answer 8

Still has a superpower legacy
Still controls 14 overseas territories
Has 53 former commonwealth former British colonies which still cooperate as have a series of agreements/objectives/beliefs
Is the commonwealth a superpower?