As historians evaluate the 20th century, the collapse of the European empires, like the collapse of the Soviet Union, will no doubt be viewed as seminal events. Of all the European empires, the British empire became the most extensive and long-lasting. This comprehensive historical dictionary provides a useful source of information on the empire, from its beginnings in the 1600s to its collapse in the 20th century. Covering the entire geographical expanse of the empire, the book includes entries on the colonies, the people who played a role in the empire, the wars and treaties affecting the empire, and the major events in its history. Each entry includes sources of additional information, and the work includes a selected bibliography and a comprehensive index.