British colonies were territories controlled by the British Empire from the late 16th century until the mid-20th century. These colonies were established for various reasons, including trade, resource extraction, and the spread of Christianity. They spanned across continents, including North America, Australia, and parts of Africa and Asia. Colonies were governed by British officials and often had local governments. Over time, many colonies sought independence, leading to the formation of new nations. The process of decolonization accelerated after World War II, resulting in the end of formal British colonial rule in many regions by the 1960s.