Why can't historians agree on whether the british empire was a good thing?

Historians struggle to agree on the impact of the British Empire due to the complex and multifaceted nature of its legacy, which encompasses economic, political, and social dimensions. Proponents argue that it facilitated modernization, infrastructure development, and the spread of education and legal systems in colonized regions. In contrast, critics highlight the exploitation, cultural erasure, and violence experienced by colonized peoples. The differing perspectives often depend on the values and frameworks historians prioritize, leading to ongoing debates about the empire's overall significance.