... as a colonial ruler stimulated constitutional and political creativeness among both rulers and ruled. Furthermore, it stimulated the growth of various governmental institutions both domestically and overseas. Finally, the possession and expansion of the Empire also influenced Britain's culture. This led to the change and development of Britain's citizens and their views of the outside world. The enlargement of Britain's colonial possessions and their commercial value were never capable of satisfying more than part of Britain's needs. Before 1815, Britain's economy had outgrown its Empire and the subsequence drive for access to new regions and for freer trade with all partners was widely seen as inevitable and necessary. In many parts of the globe British and investment underwent striking growth, contributing crucially to metropolitan Britain's wealth and well-being. The wealth and territorial extent of Britain's Empire was itself also far from an unequivocal source of strength. ...

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