1) Britain developed its imperial expansion throughout the centuries thanks to its domination of the seas.

2) Trading ports in Malaysia provided access to the Strait of Malacca, the gateaway to China. With Hong Kong, Britain opened up a sphere of influence in the Middle Kingdom. Another route to China was made possible by the annexation of the Falkland Islands and other ports in the Pacific.

3) Interests in the Mediterranean increased with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, which reduced the costs of travelling to India.

4) British influence was increased by flows of British migrants to the colonies and the growth of Christian missionary societies, which contributed to spreading British customs and social structures through the conversion of native populations.