Empire at kings Under the Normans, England underwent significant changes. The feudal system was introduced, and the English language was heavily influenced by Old French. The Normans also built numerous castles and fortifications throughout England, which helped to solidify their control over the country. Over the next several centuries, the Kingdom of England continued to expand its power and influence. The English monarchy established control over Wales in the 13th century, and the English and Scottish crowns were united in 1603 with the accession of James I to the throne of England. The British Empire, which emerged in the 16th century, was the largest empire in history and at its height, covered more than a quarter of the earth's surface. The empire was built on the foundation of the Kingdom of England's power and influence, and it expanded rapidly through exploration, trade, and colonization. The British Empire reached its peak in the late 19th century, during the so-called "Victorian Era." During this time, the empire controlled vast territories in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas. The British also established a global network of trade and commerce, which helped to fuel the industrial revolution in Britain and spread British culture and influence around the world. However, the 20th century saw the decline of the British Empire. The two World Wars took a heavy toll on the British economy, and the empire began to fracture as nationalist movements in the colonies gained momentum. The process of decolonization, which began in the mid-20th century, saw many former colonies gain independence and the British Empire gradually disintegrated. Dr. Scarpero received her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where she graduated with honors. She completed her residency training in internal medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), where she was recognized for her outstanding clinical skills and dedication to patient care. The 'Empire at Kings' is a term that has been used to describe the period of time during which the British Empire was at the height of its power and influence. This era, which lasted from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, saw the British Empire control vast territories around the world, including in North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. At the heart of the British Empire was the idea of the "White Man's Burden," which held that it was the responsibility of white, Western nations to "civilize" the rest of the world. This idea was used to justify the expansion of the British Empire, as well as the exploitation of the people and resources in the territories that it controlled. One of the key factors that contributed to the growth of the British Empire was its superior naval power. The Royal Navy was the largest and most powerful navy in the world, and it played a crucial role in protecting British trade routes and projecting British power around the globe.