How did the British Empire Grow?

This lesson is an introduction to the idea of Empire, and could be used over the course of two lessons.

• The lesson starts with a Victorian image of Empire. What does this image suggest? What can we learn about how Empire was viewed in the nineteenth century?
• Keyword checklist! Do your students know what these key terms of Empire mean?
• Why did Britain want an Empire? And how did it grow? Looking at the four different factors - religion, economics, politics, discovery - students will discover how these factors came into play as a carousel activity.
• What were the consequences of the British Empire? The British Empire is a controversial subject - what were the downsides of these growth factors?
• How do historians interpret the British Empire? Two differing opinions on the impact of the British Empire - why are they so different? Can be used for a plenary discussion task, or as a way of enforcing interpretation skills with the included worksheet.

All worksheets needed for the lesson are included, as well as a bonus essay plan checklist - ‘The British Empire grew mainly because of politics. How far do you agree with this statement?’ - that helps develop extended writing skills for GCSE.

This lesson is a KS3 lesson that incorporates skills required for GCSE.