Toward the end of the 16th century at its height the empire comprised a land mass larger than western europe

the answer is: must pay taxes on profits

since it is considered as a part of your income, profits from investments is eligible for tax payment.

the tax from your investment could be influenced by how long you decided to sell it. united states promotes keeping your investment for long term period. so, the tax rate for investments that you sell in less than one year is typically higher compared to investments that you sell in more than one year period.

the best description of postwar writers might be progressive.

following the war, writers showed a tendency to work on artistic or social matters rather than political themes. while postwar literature may not have been the greatest period of english literature, the themes provided excellent critics a high number of novels. such examples include anthony burgess, anthony powell and frank kermode, all of which can be placed under the progressive view.