The British Empire initially emerged as an economic venture, largely driven by trade and the rising demands of consumer goods. A key factor in its expansion was the insatiable market for sugar, which compelled British merchants to explore and establish routes in the Caribbean. This economic motivation laid the groundwork for the empire's growth and influence across the globe.

However, it is important to recognize that the British were not the original pioneers of imperialism; instead, they followed in the footsteps of other empires, adopting and adapting strategies from those who came before them. This perspective challenges the narrative of singular British ingenuity in empire-building and highlights the interconnectedness of historical imperial efforts, as discussed in Niall Ferguson's book "Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World."