Britain's empire stretched across the globe by the end of World War 1, but life under British rule was not always easy. Locals had little opportunity for self-governance and non-white populations faced discrimination and second-class treatment. While some benefits were brought, like infrastructure development and a shared language, many people suffered exploitation through loss of lands, poor working conditions, and slavery. By 1918, opposition to British control grew as independence movements formed in India, Ireland, and South Africa seeking more local autonomy and civil rights.