How long did the english have an empire?

Question:

How long did the english have an empire?

How did this occur? Why did itand when did it come to a close and what things could the American goverment learn from this? Were the countries that were ruled better with or now without British rule?

Your thoughts?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The English had an 'Empire' from the time of Elizabeth 1 right up to the Second World War and the Suez Crisis. From then, the Empire was transformed into a commonwealth of nations, which continues to this day with the Queen of Great Britain serving as the constitutional head of government in many democracies such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada.

To the everlasting credit of the English, it has been recognised that the Westminister System of government has been one of the most stable and enduring forms of democratic government, which places an emphasis on concepts of responsible government. It has been much more successful in developing countries than has the Spanish or American systems of democracy which has been passed on to the Philippines.

The failure of the American system of democracy has been seen in the problems of democracy in the Philippines, which is now considering adopting the Parliamentary system of British democracy.

The failure of the Philippines democracy can be a valuable lesson for the U.S in Iraq, when promoting a stable and everlasting system of government. The U.S should learn from its failure in the Philippines and adopt the Parliamentary system of government in Iraq.