British Council

**Our history** We were founded in 1934, and our first overseas offices opened in 1938, making us the oldest cultural relations organisation in the world. Originally, we were called the British Committee for Relations with Other Countries. Why the British Council was created The early 1930s were a time of global instability. Britain’s influence was weakened because of a global financial depression, which reduced living standards, jobs, and trade. At the same time, extreme ideologies were gaining ground, with the rise of Communism in Russia, and Fascism in Germany, Italy and Spain. The UK government created the British Council in response. In our annual report for 1940-41, the aim was: ‘to create in a country overseas a basis of friendly knowledge and understanding of the people of this country, of their philosophy and way of life, which will lead to a sympathetic appreciation of British foreign policy, whatever for the moment that policy may be and from whatever political conviction it may spring.’ One mission since 1940 Our work has evolved, but we continue to make a positive contribution to the countries we work with. In doing so, we improve the UK’s international standing, prosperity and security. In 1940, we were granted a [Royal Charter](https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/royal_charter_and_bye-laws_2021_0.pdf "Opens in a new tab or window.") – a formal document issued by the monarch. It set out our mission as: promoting a wider knowledge of \[the UK\] and the English language abroad and developing closer cultural relations between \[the UK\] and other countries.’