Britain has only one of the world's rivals
spain once described britain as an insignificant nation with no threat during the 17th century, yet it has grown to become a major player on the world stage."
At this turning point in history, European countries were engaged in a fierce struggle for continental hegemony, and the "era of peace under Spanish rule" was coming to an end. At the same time, Zheng Chenggong in the East launched a "smuggling" struggle with the Spaniards in the Philippines, and the two-front war and political corruption led to excessive military consumption, the economy came to a standstill, and the former world hegemon went into decline.
At this critical moment, Britain shocked the world by successfully defeating the Spanish fleet, which was considered "invincible" by the world, in the waters near England. Subsequently, the Industrial Revolution began in Britain, steam engine ships were launched into the sea, and financial markets prospered.
After three centuries, Britain surpassed the speed of the Roman conquest of the world. From Hedong to Hexi, Britain finally merged with Ireland after a hundred years of ups and downs, becoming the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland".
Under its rule, it formed territories 100 times the size of its own country, such as dominions, territories, colonies, trust territories, vassal states, and protectorates, totaling nearly 40 million square kilometers, and achieved an invincible "empire on which the sun never sets".
Spain's former glory was defeated by England, and Napoleon's ambitions were crushed by England. Britain's international hegemony is as strong as it stands, and the Industrial Revolution has made it the undisputed factory of the world, with a quarter of the world's population and land under its control.
Beginning in the 18th century, the British began colonizing on a global scale in order to expand their economic hegemony. The flag can be found all over the world, and no matter what time zone it is, the influence of the United Kingdom is like the sun shining and never falling.
Their colonies provided a variety of resources, including grain from Africa and Russia, minerals from North America and Odessa, rubber and cotton from the Pacific Ocean, sheep and horses from Australia, gold and silver from South America, orchards from the Mediterranean, and tea ...... from India and ChinaThis was Britain's colonial empire around the world, and its influence is far-reaching to this day.
In 1840, they set their sights on the East and knocked on China's door with artillery fire. As the leader of the Industrial Revolution, the direct beneficiary of the Renaissance, and the leader of military strength, Britain at that time was invincible and invincible.
Ordinary people all over the world have become workers of the "British Empire", all the production land is a treasure trove of its raw materials, and all countries are "free ** zones" under its rule.
With such advantages, with the power of one country, it has created about half of the world's output value and income, and the British Empire is "rich and rivaled", which is well deserved.
Everything in the world will have ups and downs, and a momentary glory cannot represent eternity. With the evolution of the world situation and the loss of industrial monopoly, even the former "sun never sets" cannot escape the fate of decay.
On the eve of the two world wars, Britain still maintained its hegemony in the military sphere. However, in the twentieth century, Britain, France, and Russia began to seek understanding and collaboration in dealing with various disputes.
With the rapid growth of Germany's power, its influence in Europe is increasing, while Britain's control is gradually weakening, and various contradictions and conflicts are gradually revealed.
The German emperor, fearing that Britain would take the lead, began to actively expand his armaments, triggering a military race. Britain had maintained a "two-to-one" military advantage, that is, it had twice the military output of Germany, but in the face of Germany's richer resources and strong industrial strength, the situation became more and more severe for Britain.
In 1914, the contradictions escalated and war broke out. Although Britain eventually defeated Germany and retained its supremacy, hundreds of thousands of people died on the battlefield, and the country's strength was rapidly depleted.
In the process of eliminating the other's strengths, the United States began to emerge as the biggest beneficiary of the war.
In less than 20 years, World War II struck like a catastrophe. With the rise of the global democratic movement and the gradual decline of the "hegemon" forces, the colonial countries have become independent, the United States has emerged, and the "empire on which the sun never sets" has come to an end, and Britain's hegemony has come to an end.
So, now, how much strength is left of the once glorious British Empire? Although the remnants are still there, the British Empire, which is now cowering in the British Isles, has completely declined.
The aura of the former "boss" has long faded, and whether it is economic, military or world influence, it is no longer the same as in the past.
Once the global hegemon, he is now in a supporting role, but the emaciated camel is bigger than the horse. Despite its declining economy, the UK is still among the top six economies in the world and the second largest economy in Europe, after Germany.
Last year, the total GDP reached $3 trillion, and the per capita income was $50,000, which can be called a high income level.
As a historical financial powerhouse, it has the world's most complete financial services system and the largest net export value, and its position as a financial center remains rock-solid.
In addition, the living standards of the residents here are high, the welfare is good, and the humanistic quality and education level are also first-class. In terms of military affairs, this old Britain is one of the founding countries and main members of the NATO bloc, and one of the world's five nuclear powers, with a strong independent military force.
Although the area here is only equivalent to Guangxi, its strength should not be underestimated. Although it is thin to "dehydration", it has a standing three-ship aircraft carrier battle group, and the fighter also adopts the world's latest fifth-generation aircraft F35.
The self-produced "Typhoon" main fighter is the world's top level. The number of standing troops here is about 200,000, and although the number of armaments is small, it is complete and complete, including destroyers, nuclear submarines, airborne troops, marines, etc., and is strong.
In addition, the industry here is developed, whether it is military industry or science and technology, the scale and type, research and development are leading the world, both self-sufficiency and export. In peacetime, it can enrich the country and strengthen the army; In times of war, the strength of this place should not be underestimated.
The UK's influence has penetrated deep into every corner of the globe. Their language is the most common language in the world, and John Bull has been one of the five permanent members.
Whether it's cutting-edge research in the scientific community or entertainment in the arts and culture, the UK is always in the limelight thanks to its myriad of celebrities and outstanding performances. So, despite the rise of the "Big Three", there is hardly a fourth country in today's world that can completely surpass the UK.
As the former "big brother", the UK's reputation and influence can still shake the world. So, who will be the next king to lead the world?