{"product_id":"book-i9ek","title":"The Rise and Fall of the British Empire","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the earliest settlements in the Americas, the British Empire grew to encompass nearly 25 percent of the earth's landmass. Created from a diverse array of companies, colonies and dominions, these nations helped the United Kingdom to develop into the world's leading power by the end of the 1800s. Driven by a desire to expand economically and commercially, Britain was driven by mercantilism.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver time, the connections between Britain and its empire grew increasingly close. By the time of the First World War, the colonies were a main source of soldiers, supplies and support for Britain. Following the Second World War, the United Kingdom began a gradual policy of de-colonization. As colonies became independent, self-governing nations, they were offered to join the British Commonwealth. Encompassing a total of 53 nations, the modern Commonwealth is a throwback to Britain's colonial past.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn his book entitled The Rise and Fall of The British Empire: Mercantilism, Diplomacy and the Colonies author Phillip J. Smith chronicles the ascent and descent of this once great empire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"INAudio","offers":[{"title":"Audiobook","offer_id":49445303779632,"sku":"BDi9ek","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0879\/2784\/9264\/files\/i9ek-Square-cover.jpg?v=1773576725","url":"https:\/\/downpour.com\/products\/book-i9ek","provider":"Downpour","version":"1.0","type":"link"}