Though the world’s political system continuously changes on its surface, many scholars argue the British Empire still exists as an underground network of influence, customs, and practices.
The beginning of true British hegemony can be seen in the industrial revolution powered by steam and coal, coupled with the economic revolution made possible by double entry ledger book keeping, and Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations.
By fundamentally altering the way goods were produced, the British were able to massively outproduce all other powers. This tremendous advantage spread British culture, customs and practices far and wide.
English is now the most widely used language in the world for scientific research, with 95% of all articles published in English. Capitalism is also now a worldwide phenomenon, with even Russia and China integrated into the system. The corporation, the British Empire’s most powerful invention, is arguably now the most important economic actor of the day.
Oh, we almost forgot to mention our favorite imprint we left on the world: Bingo.
Though it sounds a bit odd to think of Bingo as the inheritor of the Imperial legacy, just look at who plays. Bingo adoption is highest in England, The Philippines, The United States, India, and Australia. By the early 1700’s Bingo had made its way to England, starting 250 years earlier in Italian, and then French games of chance usually targeted to the more aristocratic groups.
It wasn’t until these games merged with the Empire’s powerful capitalist economy, the only of its type in the world at the time. The simplicity of the game combined with the largest disposable income ever produced, and spread Bingo far and wide.
Texas Hold’em Bingo follows that tradition by accompanying the game as it made its way to the Colonial USA, and then to the interior of North America, to a unique place called Texas. Interesting to note that even the cowboys have a little bit of the British Empire still in them.
Texas Hold'em Bingo 