One does not need to be an anglophile to notice there is something different about Britain. No one is surprised at the power of the United States, the influence of Russia or the reach of China. These are large countries with a lot of resources. But Britain is a small island that fights even with its closest neighbors. It has taken on and beaten some of the largest nations in the world and some of the most powerful armies, even several at a time. Yet, it has left behind the most democratic, peaceful and enlightened colonies. Even nations that are alien to the peoples of Britain, such as India and Jamaica, have benefitted greatly from its culture, politics and economic systems. If one country can be said to be central to the modern world it would be Britain. Had it not existed it is all but impossible to imagine what the modern world would be like. It would be immeasurably poorer and far less advanced. But that being said, what is the key ingredient that led Britain to make such a notable impact on the planet?