What was the political situation of the british empire during the victorian era? the british empire was dominant in the world. britain was on the brink of political revolution. the british empire was rapidly shrinking. britain was just beginning to create an empire.

- "the die is cast; i have consented to return if we are not destroyed. thus are my hopes blasted by cowardice and indecision; i come back ignorant and disappointed. it requires more philosophy than i possess to bear this injustice with patience. i have lost my hopes of utility and glory; i have lost my friend."