Once a proud empire, ruling the seas of the world.
Now a mere vassal relegated to obeying a contemporary superpower in order to maintain a semblance of relevance.
🇬🇧Great Britain, like every empire before it, rose and fell with the Cycle of Empires.
I wrote about Glubb’s “The Fate of Empires” before and how #Bitcoin can help preserve and make them more benevolent.
See Bitcoin & The Fate of Civilisations for a deeper explanation of each phase and the benefits #Bitcoin offers at each phase.
In summary, civilisations and empires go through 6 phases:
- The Age of Pioneers
- The Age of Conquest
- The Age of Commerce
- The Age of Affluence
- The Age of Intellect
- The Age of Decadence and Decline
Now let’s have a look at the British empire and see how it went through this cycle of rise and fall.
1. The Age of Pioneers
Great Britain started its Age of Pioneers in the 16th century under Elizabeth I. This is when it began to establish its first colonies in North America and the Caribbean.
It emerged as a naval power and produced explorers like Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake.
2. The Age of Conquest
It was at this stage that Britain expanded its influence into the Americas, Africa, and Asia through a series of wars. It also won the Seven Years' War (1756-1763) against great power competitor France.
Britain had a strong navy, a well-trained army, and arguably the world’s best bureaucratic and judicial system (English common law is still widely in use today)
3. The Age of Commerce
The British empire went through the Industrial Revolution (18th and 19th century) during this stage. It became the global hub for trade and manufacturing, and the territories it gained during the previous Age of Conquest provided raw materials.
This age was characterised by significant technological (e.g. steam power) and economic progress (e.g. textile and iron industries) in the British empire.
4. The Age of Affluence
The British went through their Victorian era (mid to late 19th century) at this stage. They were at the height of imperial power, becoming the world’s leading military and economic superpower.
Victorian Britain enjoyed unparalleled wealth and global influence, symbolised by grandiose architecture, extensive rail networks, and a rich literary and artistic heritage.
5. The Age of Intellect
The British empire saw significant advancements in science (Darwin, Maxwell), literature (Dickens, Hardy), and social thought (Mill, Bentham) during this age.
However, this period also saw an increase in critiques of imperialism, and a rise in nationalist movements in the colonies.
6. The Age of Decadence and Decline
The British empire was severely weakened by overspending in WW1 and WW2 (encouraged by the Americans who saw a chance to take control of the Atlantic).
Britain lost most of its empire in the two decades after WW2. It lost many of its traditional industries and saw a rapid growth of the welfare state as well as immigration from its former colonies.
Of course, Britain also started debasing its currency during the two wars. Something it never recovered from…
