Cyprus-Forum.com

[connor]

So what incident(s) sparked off the birth of that great British Empire.?

You know...the empire that gave so much to the rest of the world which was floundering in its own ineptitude...!

[Oracle]

Emulation of the Greeks they so envied .....

[Tim Drayton]

The invention of an efficient and reliable steam engine by James Watt in 1775. This, coupled with the existence of large coal reserves, powered the industrial revolution in Great Britian. This in turn provided this small island nation, which already had a large navy, with the economic might that enabled it to invade and conquer vast amounts of territory and enslave its inhabitants, exploiting both these people and their natural resources.

Thankfully we live in an era in which the doctrine of self determination of all peoples has gained acceptance.

[connor]

Am sure you meant to say....improve their lots and to educate them to the benefit of Britain and the country concerned..!

[connor]

Was joking with you Tim...! Steam engine and the industrial revolution. Excellent answer.