British Raj (British Empire)

• Economic Power

  Britain had 1st Industrial Revolution and by 1870s accounted for 16.4% of the World’s GDP

  Complex trading links: export of British manufactured goods to colonies, imports of raw materials

  Purchased Suez Canal in 1870s

  Scientific advances and new communications technology: Telegraph, Steamships and Steam Railways
• Military Power

  Royal Navy operated the double power standard: protected trade routes and removed pirate threats

  Forces states like China to accept favourable trade agreements E.g Opium War of 1840s

  British Army put down rebellions by force (Indian Muting of 1857 a.k.a India calls it 1st war of independence)

  Gave the impression of great power in the hope it would never be challenged
• Cultural Power

  Cultural Imperialism- local population forced to adopt British culture

  English Language

  English legal system

  Media e.g newspapers and from 1992 BBC

  British traditions e.g afternoon tea

  British sports E.g cricket, rugby, football