As the last country to join in the era of colonial expansion, why can the United Kingdom overtake the old colonial countries such as Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands?
First of all, although Britain's colonial expansion was relatively late, fortunately this country is very resilient. During Queen Elizabeth's reign, she ordered the establishment of a total fish-eating day. However, the British production was not enough, so the Newfoundland fishery in the North Atlantic was found. However, the ships and navigation technology at that time were not developed, and the Newfoundland fishery was harsh. A large number of outstanding sailors were trained in this environment, which laid a solid material foundation for subsequent colonial expansion.
The industrial revolution started by the United Kingdom made this country’s investment in steam engines far higher than that of other colonial countries. The steam engines used in ships also have the conditions to go to sea. Compared with Countries like Portugal and Spain have great advantages.
Beyond the first time, there is the institutional environment of the United Kingdom. Due to long-term historical reasons, the United Kingdom attached great importance to the improvement of the system after the completion of unification. It was also the first to establish the earliest patent system after the Industrial Revolution. , driven by huge profits, more and more patent holders have created countless wealth for this country.
At the same time, it also promoted the rapid development of British industry and commerce, bringing the entire British national strength to a new stage. The perfect patent system has also attracted many outstanding craftsmen from other European countries to the UK, which has further improved the overall strength of the UK. With the support of the country's endowment and institutional environment, Britain's colonial expansion was very smooth, and it successfully established its maritime dominance and became an "empire on which the sun never sets."