British Empire

The British Empire comprises the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom, that had originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height it was the largest empire in history and, for over a century, was the foremost global power. By 1922, the British Empire held sway over a population of about 458 million people, one-quarter of the world's population, and covered more than 13,000,000 square miles (33,670,000 km2): approximately a quarter of the Earth's total land area. As a result, its political, linguistic and cultural legacy is widespread. At the peak of its power, it was often said that "the sun never sets on the British Empire" because its span across the globe ensured that the sun was always shining on at least one of its numerous territories.

The British Empire's foundation arose from series of wars in the 17th and 18th centuries with the Netherlands and France left Britain the dominant colonial power in North America and India. Despite the loss of the United States in North America in 1783, British attention soon turned towards Africa, Asia and the Pacific. Following the defeat of Napoleonic France in 1815, Britain enjoyed a century of effectively unchallenged dominance, and expanded its imperial holdings across the globe. Increasing degrees of autonomy were granted to its white settler colonies, some of which were reclassified as dominions.

In the late 19th century, British power was challenged by both Germany and the United States. Although the Empire did reach its peak after World War I, Britain had leaned heavily on its empire in the fight, and it was soon clear how costly the war had been to the overall Empire. During World War II, Britain's possessions in North Africa and South-East Asia were occupied by the Axis. The Empire declined after the war, as decolonization gained momentum throughout the world. The Empire was effectively dismantled by the end of the 20th century, replaced by a Commonwealth of Nations.

British Empire in Atlantis
The British Empire arose from early English explorations and settlements of the continent of Atlantis, starting in 1452. However, it was with the discovery of Terranova in 1469 that a mad scramble for colonization began. In many ways, Atlantis was incidental for the next several centuries.

However, after Britain consolidated its control of India and northern Terranova after the French and Spanish War, the Empire itself began its ascendancy. Even the loss of Atlantis to independence was not enough to halt this. The Empire did meet with some losses during the 19th century, as various Terranovan territories achieved independence, although others, such as the Dominion of Ontario were content to remain part of the Empire.

British Empire in Curious Notions
In one alternate, Britain effectively lost all control of its empire in the early 20th century after losing two wars to the German Empire.

British Empire in In the Presence of Mine Enemies
The British Empire was divided up among the Axis after Germany vanquished Britain during World War II. Certain of its African possessions were taken by Italy, but the rest of its African colonies fell to Germany. One exception was South Africa, whose racist policies fit well with German Nazism. Germany also asserted control over India. The rest of Asia, as well as Australia, fell to Japan.

Canada remained independent until the Third World War.

British Empire in Southern Victory
The British Empire was badly bruised the Great War, with Canada, the Sandwich Islands, and several Carribean possessions being ceded to the United States and Ireland being granted independence through threats of force from the U.S. and Germany. However, the Empire was by no means broken, as Britain still controlled its African and Southeast Asian territories.

However, during the Second Great War, Britain itself was so badly damaged that its empire was left more vulnerable. Japan, Britain's ally during both wars, began attacking British colonies in Asia in 1943.

British Empire in The Two Georges
The British Empire's ascendency began in the 18th century, shortly after the Seven Years' War, when Britain found itself in control of North America. Crisis seemed to threaten in the 1760s when certain colonies began aggitating against Britain's efforts to more directly rule North America. However, this crisis was averted when a colonial delegation, led by George Washington, visited the Court of St. James, and, after some negotiations, firmly pledged the colonies' loyalty to King George III.

Within time, the British Empire came stretch across the globe, including the North American Union, large swaths of Africa, India, and Australia. In time, both the Ottoman Empire and China became protectorates. Britain maintained a toe-hold in South America, but that continent was dominated by the Holy Alliance, as was the largest part of Africa. Britain's other main politicial rival was the Russian Empire.

However, it was the North American Union that was the Empire's most critical possession.

British Empire in Worldwar
Britain was shorn of its empire when the Race invaded Earth in 1942. Although much of the Empire had been taken by the Axis, the Race quickly overwhelmed and dominated them, forcing the Axis out. Even India, which had remained in British hands before the invasion fell in short order. Australia fought on much longer, but was finally brought under control in 1944, when the Race destroyed Sydney and Melbourne. At the Peace of Cairo, the Race refused to return any overseas territory to Britain. Only Canada and New Zealand remained, the former because it was too cold for the Race, and because the United States demanded it; the latter because it was too small for the Race to have worried about.