User talk:AtomAtom
The British Empire was the
age of discovery, which began with the maritime explorations of the 15th century, that sparked the era of the European colonial
empires.
By 1921, the British Empire held sway over a population of about 458 million people, approximately one-quarter of the world's population.colonies or subject nations.[3]
During the five decades following World War II, most of the territories of the Empire became independent. Many went on to join the Commonwealth of Nations, a free association of independent states.
| “ | The postmodern, European answer to threats is to extend the system of co-operative empire ever wider. “I have no way to defend my borders but to extend them”, said Catherine the Great—and the European Union sometimes seems to be saying the same. | ” |
| — Robert Cooper, 2003 | ||
| “ | But the next wave of European transformation is only just beginning. The European Union is starting to develop an enormous sphere of influence, extending way beyond its borders, that could be called the “Eurosphere”. This belt of eighty countries covering the former Soviet Union, the Western Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 20 per cent of the world’s population. | ” |
| — Mark Leonard, 2005 | ||
| “ | What we have is the first non-imperial empire...We have twenty-seven countries that fully decided to work together and to pool their sovereignty. I believe it is a great construction and we should be proud of it. | ” |
| — José Manuel Barroso, 2007 | ||
- OECD, Paris, 2001.
- ^ Bruce R. Gordon. To Rule the Earth... (See Bibliography for sources used.)
- Charles I of Spain, referring to the Spanish Empire.