Season 2. Episode 3: The Cultural Impact of Colonization

At its height in 1921, this empire had become a refined worldwide network, ruling approximately one-quarter of all the land on Earth. The nations conquered were linked by trade as well as politics, and this lasted for quite a while. While various countries gained their independence over time, even by 1952 when Queen Elizabeth took the throne, over 70 colonies still existed in the empire overseas. Nothing lasts forever, however. The end of this era, which began in the 16th century, finally came in 1997 when Hong Kong, one of the empire’s most prominent territories, was transferred back to China. Today, Queen Elizabeth is the former head of state for 16 Commonwealth countries outside the UK. These include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Australia, Belize, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. 16 U.S. territories. Yes, but you've probably heard of only the five that have permanent residents: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.