British Empire? Nah...

Why should I care about the British Empire? I am an American citizen, living in America, learning at an American school. Why should British history matter to me?

Maybe British history should matter because the United States is a result of the British Empire. Maybe because modern America still in part portrays the colonial power it started as, and Americas current power originated in the British Empire. Maybe, just maybe, British history should matter because it has a major role in the creation of not only the modern world, but also the ancient world.  Sure the British Empire has had its problems. Pirates searching the seas for treasure, rulers who no longer wanted to rule or who wanted to rule too much, peer nations who sought the land and wealth Britain wanted; the British Empire had plenty of problems. Every nation has their troubles, but through centuries and dozens of rulers, the British Empire consistently aided in expansion and overall benefited not only her but also the colonies she started, such as America.

Within 50 years of the start of overseas expansion, the British Empire had colonies and men on 5 continents. One of their most profitable colonies was in the Americas. What started as a small group of seekers of religious and financial freedom grew into the hope of the developing world; a new land rich in resources and potential. Without the British Empires influence, it is unclear if America would exist. I think that fact makes the British Empire study worthy. Maybe a student in an American school, in America could study the British Empire and learn something. Maybe the rise and fall of an empire thousands of miles away impacts the modern world. Maybe the British Empire affects America. Maybe Red coats and yankees aren't enemies anymore. Maybe British history matters not only because it has the opportunity to teach, but because directly affects almost every nation in the world in some way.