British colonization of the Americas (including colonization under the Kingdom of England before the 1707 Acts of Union created the Kingdom of Great Britain) begins in the late 16th century, before reaching its peak after colonies are established throughout the Americas, and a protectorate is established in Hawaii.

The British are one of the most important colonizers of the Americas and their American empire comes to rival the Spanish American colonies in extent.This British conquest causes dramatic upheaval upon the indigenous civilizations in the Americas both directly through British military force and indirectly through cultural disruption and introduced European diseases.

Though many of the indigenous societies have a developed warrior class, and long history of warfare, they are not able to withstand the technologically superior British force and eventually succumb.

Many of the conquered peoples vanish or are incorporated into the colonial system.After the American War of Independence, British territories in the Americas are granted more responsible government until they are prepared for independence.

In this way, two countries in North America, ten in the Caribbean, and one in South America have received their independence from the United Kingdom.

Today, the United Kingdom retains eight overseas territories in the Americas, which it grants varying degrees of self-government.

In addition, nine former British possessions in the Americas are Commonwealth Realms, independent of, but in personal union with, the United Kingdom.Three types of colonies exist in the British Empire during the height of its power.

These are charter colonies, proprietary colonies and royal colonies.