Changes

The various parts of the Empire were granted independence by the UK (peacefully or otherwise) at different times. The thirteen North American colonies that formed the original [[United States of America]] had won their freedom by 1783. Most of Ireland went its separate way in 1922. The remaining "settler colonies" that were inhabited mainly by white people of British descent were formally granted self-government in 1931, though they had been self-governing for some years prior to that date. The remaining colonies were granted independence in the decades following the Second World War, and the last remaining colony of importance, Hong Kong, left British rule in 1997.

The various parts of the Empire were granted independence by the UK (peacefully or otherwise) at different times. The thirteen North American colonies that formed the original [[United States of America]] had won their freedom by 1783. Most of Ireland went its separate way in 1922. The remaining "settler colonies" that were inhabited mainly by white people of British descent were formally granted self-government in 1931, though they had been self-governing for some years prior to that date. The remaining colonies were granted independence in the decades following the Second World War, and the last remaining colony of importance, Hong Kong, left British rule in 1997.

Fourteen small territories that formed part of the Empire, such as [[Anguilla]], the [[Falkland Islands]] and [[St. Helena]], remain under British rule. They are legally known as the "British Overseas Territories". Most former colonies are members of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].

Fourteen small territories that formed part of the Empire, such as the [[Cayman Islands]], [[Bermuda]], [[Anguilla]], the [[Falkland Islands]] and [[St. Helena]], remain under British rule. They are legally known as the "British Overseas Territories". Most former colonies are members of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]].