3ref said:

""I am not sure the British Empire ,was the greatest the world has ever known.could you explain why you think it was?"

This was not asked of me, but as a fellow Canadian Colonialist I'll give you my slant. At one time in our recent history, the sun never set on the British Empire! I don't think the Mongols, Alexander or even the Americans can make the same statement! "

This is true enough, and one realizes what a miracle that statement encompasses when one actually meets the British!