British colonial

Legacy

In the 19th century innovation in Britain led to revolutionary changes in manufacturing, the development of factory systems, and the growth of transportation by railway and steamship. Scholars debate as to what extent the Industrial Revolution, originating from the United Kingdom, was facilitated by or dependent on imperialism. British colonial architecture, such as in churches, railway-stations and government buildings, survives in many cities that were once part of the British Empire; Western technologies and architecture were globalised in part due to the Empire's military and administrative requirements. Integration of former colonies into the global economy was also a major legacy of empire. The British system of measurement, the imperial system, continues in use in some countries in various ways. The convention of driving on the left-hand side of the road prevails in much of the former empire.