A short history of the expansion of the British empire 1500-1870 By William Harrison woodward Published Date 1899 A short history of the expansion of the British empire, 1500-1870. This book, "A short history of the expansion of the British empire", by William Harrison Woodward, is a replication of a book originally published before 1899. It has been restored by human beings, page by page, so that you may enjoy it in a form as close to the original as possible.