The British Empire began around the late 16th century. By 1922 the British Empire controled a 5th of the world The British Empire was imperialistic and believed in colonization. They have spread western culture to the Americas and Africa. Even though England is only an island it was able to conquer, control, and colonize a large portion of the world. England created the largest empire ever known, closely followed by the Mongol Empire.
This Map of the British Empire shows its control over the world. Great Britain, Austrialia, India, part of Antartica, part of America, Canada, and a large portion of Aferica. Also many islands in the Pacific and Atlantic.