Key Events in British History

Key Events in British History

• 1487: The Battle of Bosworth Field ends the War of the Roses, bringing the Tudor dynasty to power. This marks the beginning of the Tudor era.
• 1509: Charles de Bowelles' work, "The Four Grades of Man," highlights the hierarchical view of humanity during the Renaissance.
• 1534: Henry VIII establishes the Anglican Church, breaking with the Roman Catholic Church.
• 1558-1603: The Elizabethan Era is known for flourishing arts, literature, and the establishment of playhouses like The Globe.
• 1588: England defeats the Spanish Armada, strengthening its naval power.
• 1603: The Union of the Crowns unites England and Scotland under James VI of Scotland, becoming James I of England.
• 1617-1621: Robert Fludd's Utriusque Cosmi blends science, philosophy, and mysticism, reflecting the Renaissance worldview.
• 1642-1649: The English Civil War occurs, leading to the execution of Charles I and the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.
• 1660: The Restoration of the Monarchy sees Charles II return to the throne.
• 1688-1689: The Glorious Revolution brings William of Orange and Mary II to the throne, leading to the Bill of Rights, and establishing parliamentary sovereignty. This marks the beginning of modern constitutional monarchy in Britain.

Wars and Conflicts

• 1707: The Act of Union formally unites England and Scotland into Great Britain.
• 1714: George I, from the House of Hanover, ascends the throne, beginning the Hanoverian era.
• 1757: The Battle of Plassey marks the beginning of British dominance in India.
• 1763: The Seven Years' War concludes with Britain as a major colonial power.
• 1776: The American Revolution begins with the Thirteen Colonies declaring independence.
• 1789: The French Revolution impacts British politics and culture, and triggers concerns about popular uprisings.
• 1791-1804: The Haitian Revolution demonstrates the impact of slave rebellions globally.

Political and Social Changes

• 1800/1801: The Act of Union unites Great Britain and Ireland.
• 1807: Britain abolishes the transatlantic slave trade.
• 1832: The First Reform Act expands the franchise in Britain.
• 1833: The Slavery Abolition Act abolishes slavery throughout the British Empire.
• 1837-1901: The Victorian Era represents a period of major industrial, cultural and imperial expansion in Britain.
• 1845-1852: The Great Irish Famine causes extensive suffering in Ireland.
• 1851: The Great Exhibition showcases British industrial and imperial strength.
• 1859: The publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin challenges existing religious beliefs.
• 1863: London Underground opens, revolutionizing urban transportation.
• 1914-1918: World War I.
• 1921: The partition of Ireland divides the island into Northern Ireland (part of the UK) and the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland).
• 1939-1945: World War II
• 1945–1997: Post-War Britain
• 1997: Devolution.
• 2014: Scottish Independence Referendum
• 2016: Brexit Referendum.
• 2020: UK leaves the EU.