ASPECTS OF BRITISH HISTORY
colony to be taken in war. In 1664 the British captured Holland’s North American
colonies5. Britain’s colonial expansion was accomplished in numerous wars against
Spain, Holland and France.
During this time the East India Company also established its first trading
settlements in India, on both the west and east coasts.
In 1704 Britain won the rock of Gibraltar, a site of great strategic importance,
and could now control the entrance to the Mediterranean6.
Colonies and Trade
The capture of foreign lands was important for Europe’s economic development.
In the late seventeenth century Britain had a smaller empire abroad than either Spain
or Holland. But it had greater variety. On the east coast of North America, Britain
controlled twelve colonies. Of far greater interest were the new possessions in the
West Indies, where sugar was grown. The growing sugar economy of the West Indies
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