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• King Henry VIII breaks away from the Catholic Church and establishes the Church of England, making himself its Supreme Head. -
Henry VIII’s son continues Protestant reforms during his short reign .
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Mary, a devout Catholic, attempts to restore Catholicism and persecutes Protestants.
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Elizabeth restores Protestantism and establishes Anglicanism as the dominant faith. This era, known as the Elizabethan Age, is marked by cultural flourishing and exploration.
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England defeats Spain’s naval fleet, beginning its rise as a dominant sea power. -
Upon Elizabeth I’s death, James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England, uniting the crowns of England and Scotland. -
A failed attempt by a group of Catholic conspirators, including Guy Fawkes, to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate King James I. Their goal was to replace him with a Catholic monarch. The plot was discovered, and the conspirators were executed. -
Conflict between Royalists (supporters of King Charles I) and Parliamentarians ends with the execution of Charles I in 1649 and the establishment of a republic under Oliver Cromwell.
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Oliver Cromwell rules as Lord Protector during the period of the Commonwealth.
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The monarchy is restored with Charles II becoming king. -
Protestant rulers William of Orange and Mary take the throne peacefully, replacing Catholic King James II. This marks the establishment of a constitutional monarchy -
England and Scotland formally unite to create the Kingdom of Great Britain. -
Britain loses its thirteen American colonies, which declare independence to form the United States.
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Great Britain and Ireland merge to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
This era saw profound changes in religion, governance, and global influence, solidifying Britain’s status as a leading maritime and colonial power.