Is the Empire in Skyrim based off of the British Empire or something? I mean the East Empire seems to shout " Hey we are the East India company" but the Empire and Imperials don't seem to show any comparisons other than this in Skyrim.

PS this is my 1st TES game so im not aware if any clues are in the past games.

The Imperial's style of colonization is similar to the British in that they colonize (in a large part) to open trade markets.

But that's where the similarities end.

They're based off Rome. Though they oftentimes will fill roles of other historical figures as it fits fancy of the writers and designers.

Definitely

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_India_Company

I would see comparisons with the empire trampling over local beliefs and government to use the place for trade.

Though I don't really see Ulfric as Ghandi.

Haha instead of a purely peaceful man hes a killer thats a twist nobody will see coming XD

Yeah the most obvious comparison is with Rome but the key thing it shares with the British Empire is the emphasis on trade. The Brits fought wars to keep free trade going whereas the Elder scrolls Empire's main goal in the unification of the continent.