The British Empire at its height
Study note
During the Victorian period the British Empire reached its greatest size. It grew to cover the whole of India, Australia and large parts of Africa, as well as territory in many other regions. By this time it had become the largest empire the world has ever seen, far from being a small or short-lived European empire.
The scale was enormous. The Empire is estimated to have had a population of more than 400 million people, so that is the figure to remember rather than smaller numbers. The Empire also meant constant movement of people. Many left Britain to settle in colonies overseas, while at the same time people came to Britain from all corners of the world, helping to shape the diverse country it is today.
Memory tip: Victorian Britain ruled the largest empire ever, with over 400 million people.
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Question 1 of 2
The British Empire at its height was described as the what?
Show all questions and answers for The British Empire at its height(2 questions with explanations)
The British Empire at its height: questions, answers and explanations
1. The British Empire at its height was described as the what?
- The largest empire the world has ever seen
- A purely European empire
- A short-lived empire
- The smallest in Europe
Correct answer: The largest empire the world has ever seen
The British Empire became the largest empire the world has ever seen.
2. Roughly how many people lived in the British Empire at its height?
- About 10 million
- About 40 million
- More than 400 million
- About 1 million
Correct answer: More than 400 million
The Empire had an estimated population of more than 400 million people.
Back to A Long and Illustrious History, or try a mock test or timed exam.