Political Economy Class

Please describe what made the British Empire so successful? What were the main pillars of the British hegemony during the 1800s?

The course is about fundamentals of political economy, not about the pure history of political development of the nation states. And also, for this question, I believe the instructor would like me to focus on economical pillars of the hegemony and success of the British Empire. I would like you to discuss and think critically accordingly.