What did most of the former colonies do after having achieved independence from Britain?

After independence, many former British colonies joined the Commonwealth of Nations, a free association of independent states. Sixteen of these, including the United Kingdom, retain a common monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II.

What were the main reasons for the growth of the British Empire?

The growth of the British Empire was due in large part to the ongoing competition for resources and markets which existed over a period of centuries between England and her Continental rivals, Spain, France, and Holland.

What is a former British colony?

These include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Bahamas, Australia, Belize, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu.

Why are the colonies important in understanding the UK today?

England, in what is now Britain, wanted more land overseas where it could build new communities, known as colonies. These colonies would provide England with valuable materials, like metals, sugar and tobacco, which they could also sell to other countries.

What theory is developed after a certain colony gained independence?

Specifically, neocolonialism refers to the theory that former or existing economic relationships—the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the Central American Free Trade Agreement—are used to maintain control of former colonies after formal independence was achieved.

How did the British Empire influence the development of British society?

The British Empire grew the British economy, it traded their goods and all profits were sent to Britain. At first, they learnt the Indian language, wore Indian clothes, and were part of the community. but were always kept suppressed, never given well paid jobs and failed to help in times of famine.

When did countries gain independence from Britain?

Evolution of Dominions to independence