The British East India Company, chartered in 1600 by Queen Elizabeth, succeeded in infiltrating the Indian political and economic systems and achieved a great degree of control over the region by the late 18th century.

Actual wars were infrequent during the Belle Epoque, Europe’s “golden age” from 1871 to 1914, during which Germany was the rising power on the continent while Britain and France tended to their vast overseas possessions. Rigid alliances, however, proliferated during this era and helped lead to World War I. Organized labor gained in strength and political potency despite opposition from the industrial elite. The commercial middle class or bourgeoisie did reign supreme politically, while inequality was heightened.

Livingstone rescued Stanley before the Berlin Conference. Ethiopia and Liberia were the only free African states at the start of World War I in 1914. The Fashoda Incident of 1898 in Sudan forced a reconciliation between Britain and France, so the Berlin conference did not permanently eliminate disputes. Belgium’s parliament, not an international convention, deprived Leopold II of his personal kingdom in the Congo. The conference did require notification of signatories during the formation of a new protectorate.

The British East India Company was key to Great Britain gaining influence and wealth in India. The Company played an active role in the Indian Government, and in 1857 overthrew Mughal Bahadur Shah II as Emperor of India and when the Company was dissolved the control of India reverted to the royal family. Queen Victoria was declared Empress of India in 1876 and used by British monarchs up until India gained its independence in 1948. During that time period India greatly enriched the British Empire and became a valuable asset to the monarchs.

The Scramble for Africa is often dated back to the Berlin Conference, organized by Bismarck. This is when it really begins, rather than when it ends, and was when European nations set the ground rules for their imperial takeover of Africa. No Africans were invited to attend. Gladstone was something of a critic of empire. The development of quinine, among other things, helped Europeans stave off diseases native to Africa, although they still faced great risks to their health.

Emphasizing the production of raw materials led to economic dependency in African colonies. While some missionaries were successful, many organizations struggled to spread their religious message. European understandings of racial hierarchies helped justify expanding empires, and this expansion led to European conflict and tension in foreign territories, despite Bismarck's attempt at preventing conflict with the Berlin Conference. An example of that tension would be the Fashoda Crisis (1898) between Britain and France over control of the Sudan. 

The Roman empire invaded Britain as part of Julius Caesars rapid expansion, though Britain would not come under Roman rule until 43 CE under Emperor Claudius. The invasion in 55 CE was more of a scouting venture. An expedition to see if the land was worth invading on a large scale.

With the failing of the Western Roman empire, it was forced to withdraw from Britain. The withdrawal of Rome was helped along by many British nobles unhappy with Roman rule. This was one of the first warning signs for the fall of the entire Roman empire.

King Leopold II was required to return the colony over to his nation of Belgium's parliament after widespread condemnation of his rule and widespread atrocities. Atrocities would continue under Belgian colonial rule.

Mali, Senegal, Guinea, and Gabon were all held within French colonial territory prior to independence. Only Algeria was considered an integral part of the French nation and French soil.