The British Empire had a huge impact on how countries trade with each other today. It created a big system of colonies and trading paths. At its peak in the early 1900s, the British Empire covered about 25% of the world's land and included around a quarter of the world's population. This made it very important in shaping how countries interacted economically.

Key Points of Influence:

1. Trade Routes and Ports:

   • The British Empire built important trade routes that connected Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
   • Cities like London, Liverpool, and Bombay became main spots for international trade.
   • From 1800 to 1914, British merchants controlled over 55% of sea trade, helping goods move around the world.

2. Trade Policies:

   • The Empire supported free trade policies, starting with the ending of the Corn Laws in 1846, which allowed easier trade.
   • The Cobden-Chevalier Treaty of 1860, made with France, showed Britain’s wish for trade agreements that lowered taxes on traded goods.

3. Resources from Colonies:

   • The Empire needed raw materials like cotton from India, rubber from Malaya, and minerals from Africa.
   • These resources were very important to the British economy and changed the way countries traded.

4. Trade Agreements Legacy:

   • After World War II, many countries that used to be colonies kept the trade methods and agreements set up during the Empire.
   • Groups like the Commonwealth show these past connections and help trade between member countries.

5. Impact on Trade:

   • By 1914, Britain was responsible for about 40% of global trade, showing its strength.
   • The Empire’s removal of trade taxes led to more trade, with British exports increasing by $1 billion between 1850 and 1900.

In short, the British Empire helped shape today's trading systems through its rules, pathways, and economic practices. This set the stage for how global trade agreements work now.