British Empire and Commonwealth Vocabulary

Key vocabulary, synonyms, collocations, and historical terms regarding the British Empire and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Empire

A major political unit having an extensive territory or group of territories under one sovereign authority; synonymous with imperium.

The Raj

The British government of India from 1858-1947.

Dominion

A self-governing territory under British sovereign authority, referred to as British dominion.

Protectorate

A dependent territory or state protected and controlled by a foreign military or imperial power.

(to) encompass

To include, contain, or surround something; synonymous with (to) comprise or to contain.

Trading companies

Commercial entities formed to conduct overseas trade, such as the British East India Company and the Royal Niger Company.

Dependency

A territory that is dependent on and under the governance of another state.

Governance

The system, act, or process of governing; associated with the verb (to) govern.

Naval power

A state possessing strong military forces deployed at sea (navy).

Pioneer

A person who leads the way, explores, or settles new land; associated with the verb (to) pioneer.

Imperialism

The policy or practice of extending power and control over other territories and peoples.

Settlement

A place or community established by settlers; associated with the verb (to) settle and the noun settler.