The years of power and danger

Britain in the 19^th century was at its most powerful and self-confident.Until the last quarter of the century British factories were producing more than any other country in the world.

In the end of the century, Britain’s empire was political rather than commercial. The rapid growth of the middle class was part of the enormous rise in the population.In 1815 the population was 13 million and has doubled by 1871 , and was over 40 million by 1914.

Politics and government during the 19^th century became increasingly the property of the middle class.The aristocracy and the Crown had little power left 1914.

Britain’s strenght lay in industry and trade.

Britain wanted two main things in Europe: a “balance of power” and a free market.

Outside Europe, Britain wished its trading position to be stronger than anyone else’s.

After 1815 its policy was to control world traffic and world markets to Britain.