From the earliest settlements in the Americas, the British Empire grew to encompass nearly 25 percent of the earth’s landmass. Created from a diverse array of companies, colonies and dominions, these nations helped the United Kingdom to develop into the world's leading power by the end of the 1800s. Driven by a desire to expand economically and commercially, Britain was driven by mercantilism.
Over time, the connections between Britain and its empire grew increasingly close. By the time of the First World War, the colonies were a main source of soldiers, supplies and support for Britain. Following the Second World War, the United Kingdom began a gradual policy of de-colonization. As colonies became independent, self-governing nations, they were offered to join the British Commonwealth. Encompassing a total of 53 nations, the modern Commonwealth is a throwback to Britain's colonial past.
In his book entitled The Rise and Fall of The British Empire: Mercantilism, Diplomacy and the Colonies author Phillip J. Smith chronicles the ascent and descent of this once great empire.
Born in Macedonia, Alexander spent his childhood envious of his father's conquests. He watched his father head off to great battles and read of Greek heroes who were remembered forever for their bravery. All the while, he wished that he too could become a hero in history.
With the sudden death of his father, Alexander received his chance to become the hero that he always dreamed of being. Consolidating Greece and raising an army, he prepared for conquests in the Persian Empire. Through barren deserts and snowy mountain peaks, his men marched as they sought total conquest of the Great King's empire.
When the empire had finally been won and the Great King eliminated, Alexander was not prepared to give up his dreams quite yet. While his men were ready to return to their homeland and enjoy their booty, Alexander wanted more. He dreamed of riding elephants into war in India, fighting desert tribes and taking over the pyramids of Egypt. In short, only conquering the entire known world would be enough for his limitless ambition. It would only be the reluctance of his men or the admonitions of his general, Parmenion, who would hold Alexander back from achieving his dreams.
By the age of 32, Alexander managed to accrue one of the largest empires that the world had ever seen. With a genius for administration and a rash, courageous approach to warfare, he conquered each land that he came across always in search of an answer to the question: what's next?
In his book entitled Alexander The Great: The Rise and Fall of the Macedonian Empire author Phillip J. Smith magically takes you back to this specific time period and gives you a historically accurate picture of Alexander The Great and his incomparable Macedonian Empire.
