ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

British protectorate

Okay kiddo, let's talk about British protectorates. Imagine you have a toy that is very important to you, you don't want any other kids to take it away from you, right? Just like that, British protectorates are places that the British people want to keep safe and protect from other people that might want to take control over them.

A British protectorate is a place that is not controlled by Britain, but Britain helps to keep it safe and in order. It is kind of like being a big brother or big sister to someone. The British helped protect the protectors from any harm.

The British government decided to do this because they wanted to have good relationships with these places, like making new friends. How do you make friends? You help them when they need it, right? Well, that's what the British were trying to do. They were protecting them and helping them when they needed it, and in turn, they hoped that these places would trust and like them.

So, when you hear the term British protectorate, just remember that it's like being a big brother or sister to a place, helping them stay safe and protected while also building a strong relationship with them.