The British Empire was once the largest empire in history. At its peak, it controlled over 58 colonies and territories on different continents, with around 412 million people by 1914. This was about 23% of the world's population at that time. The empire had a big impact on how democracy spread and how governments were set up around the world.

Introduction of Democratic Principles

1. Spread of Parliamentary Systems:

   • The British Empire helped many of its colonies set up parliamentary systems. For example, Canada got its system in 1867, and Australia became a federation in 1901.
   • By 1947, about 25 colonies had started to create their own forms of representative government, using ideas from British laws.

2. Changes in Law:

   • The British legal system, which is based on following the law and having an independent court, was introduced in places like India. The Indian High Court Act was passed in 1861.
   • Many regions, like Nigeria and Kenya, used British common law as a base for their governments, changing how laws were practiced.

Education and Political Awareness

1. More Schools and Learning:

   • The British Empire built schools and universities which helped people learn about politics. By 1900, there were about 1,500 schools in India alone.
   • The University of Hong Kong, founded in 1911, provided a liberal education that raised political awareness among people.

2. Growth of Local Political Movements:

   • Many well-educated people in colonized countries started movements for democratic governance, inspired by British political ideas. The Indian National Congress, formed in 1885, began as a group wanting reforms and later became a key player in India’s fight for independence in 1947.

Impact on Global Governance Models

1. Impact on Global Rules:

   • British colonial governance set examples that influenced governments around the world. After World War I, ideas from British democracy helped shape the League of Nations.
   • Many former colonies adopted parliamentary democracy when they gained independence. By 1960, of the 70 countries that became independent from colonial rule, 35 developed parliamentary systems.

2. Challenges and Changes:

   • Although the Empire spread ideas of democracy, it also faced pushback. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jomo Kenyatta fought against colonial rule, pushing for self-governance.
   • Some regions created mixed governance systems, blending British ideas with local traditions to make their own unique democratic setups.

Conclusion

In summary, the British Empire played a huge role in spreading democracy from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Through education, legal changes, and government systems, the Empire helped lay the groundwork for modern democratic ideas. However, it also faced many challenges. This historical influence still affects how governments work today.