Trade in the Empire

What was trade like in the British Empire?

Imports of raw materials and exports of manufactured goods from Britain to its vast empire, allowed it to flourish.

When was the main period of trade in the British Empire?

During the Victorian age (1837-1901), at the height of the British Empire, British ports were full of ships carrying goods that were processed and sold, making Britain a wealthy nation.

What did Britain trade with the empire?

There were a number of goods that were traded between Britain and its colonies.

• ❖ Exports to the colonies consisted mainly of manufactured goods, such as textiles and metalwork.
• ❖ Britain imported hundreds of commodities from all over the world. The most important were cotton, wool, wheat, sugar, tea, silk, flax, rice, and guano.

What was significant about trade in the British Empire?

These are some of the ways in which trade was significant.

• ❖ Britain became the world capital for trade and money.
• ❖ On London's trading floors, speculators bought and sold commodities from all corners of the empire.
• ❖ By the end of the 19th century, more than half the world's trade was financed with British money.
• ❖ Britain became the first industrialised country in the world.
• ❖ Britain became the most technologically advanced and powerful country in the world.