ABSTRACT
The nineteenth century saw a massive expansion in the territory under British control worldwide, making Britain the largest among the European empires. This active era of colonisation brought many different areas under British control in a variety of modes of rule from informal influence to direct and often autocratic rule. White settler colonies were given more say over their own affairs than were colonies where such settlement was sparse. The addition of territory necessitated supply depots and strategic stop-off points, adding yet more colonies to the mix. An expensive exercise for the British, the cost was passed onto local peoples where possible, and was one among the many discontents that made this an era of frequent rebellion and protest. The development of technologies such as the telegraph made the Empire easier to manage from London although many decisions had to be made locally and often by isolated officials with minimal support.
