Politics

• •The Bill of Rights: In 1689, the Bill of Rights confirmed the rights of Parliament and limited the king’s power, establishing the foundation for a constitutional monarchy.
• •Creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain: In 1707, the Act of Union merged England and Scotland into Great Britain while keeping separate legal and religious institutions.
• •First Prime Minister: Due to George I’s reliance on ministers, the role of Prime Minister emerged, first officially held by Sir Robert Walpole.

Social Reforms

• •Voting Reforms and Suffrage: Reforms increased voter eligibility, eventually leading to women gaining partial voting rights in 1918.
• •Abolition of the Slave Trade: The slave trade was abolished in 1807 due to abolitionist campaigns, leading to the 1833 Emancipation Act.
• •Famine and Nationalism in Ireland: The Irish famine, along with growing nationalist movements, contributed to social upheaval and emigration during the 19th century.

Growth and Immigration

• •The Enlightenment: Prominent Scottish thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume advanced ideas in economics and philosophy during the Enlightenment.
• •The Industrial Revolution: Britain’s economy shifted with the mechanisation and use of steam power, sparking increased production and urbanisation.
• •Free Trade and Economic Expansion: During the Victorian era, the repeal of the Corn Laws supported industrial growth and improved working conditions.
• •Migration and Refugees' Settlement: Between 1680 and 1720, many Huguenot refugees settled in Britain, contributing to cultural and economic growth.

Conflicts and Wars

• •Defeat of the Jacobite Rebellion: Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion in 1745 ended at the Battle of Culloden, diminishing clan power and leading to the Highland Clearances.
• •The American War of Independence: In 1776, 13 American colonies declared independence from Britain, leading to the American Revolution and eventual victory.
• •War with France and the Defeat of Napoleon: Britain fought several wars with France, culminating in the naval victory at Trafalgar (1805) and Napoleon’s defeat in 1815.
• •The Crimean War: This conflict introduced media coverage developments and military reforms, including Florence Nightingale’s medical care reforms.
• •Boer War: War in South Africa with settlers from the Netherlands called the Boers. Post-Boer War, discussions around the Empire's direction led to greater autonomy for colonies and eventual independence.

The Victorian Era

• •Expansion and Influence: The Victorian Age saw the British Empire reach its height, expanding into India, Australia, and large parts of Africa.
• •Reign of Queen Victoria: This era marked advancements in trade, industry, and social reforms.
• •Shifts Towards Autonomy: Post-Boer War, discussions around the Empire's direction led to greater autonomy for colonies and eventual independence.

Multiple Choice Questions