The British Empire was a vast collection of territories and colonies controlled by Great Britain from the late 16th century until the mid-20th century. At its height, it was the largest empire in history, spanning across continents including North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. The empire played a significant role in global trade, politics, and culture, influencing many regions around the world. The empire began to decline after World War II, as many colonies sought independence. Notable events include the independence of India in 1947 and the gradual decolonization of Africa in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, the legacy of the British Empire is still felt in various aspects of global society.