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The Failure of the Commonwealth
The failure of the commonwealth came shortly after Cromwell's death and brought an end to absolute rule. -
The Glorious Revolution
This revolution began at an Oxford college and then escalated quickly. It finalized English religious identity and constitutional structure at what was a fairly early stage in national life. It cemented the notion that the monarch rules with consent of the nation, not through divine right. -
The Act of Union
The Act of Union was created after a previous arrangement broke down under the immense pressure of the English Alien Act. Because of this and the events that immediately followed, the most successful national union in history was born. -
The Slave Trade Act
While slavery was never legal in Great Britain, its ships were used to transport slaves from nearby countries. The resulting parliamentary bill didn't abolish slavery in the Empire (that was to come in 1833), but slave trade was abolished, not just for British ships, but for everyone. -
The Battle of Waterloo
The Battle of Waterloo confirmed that Britain was capable of putting armies together that were able to maintain order in Europe. This battle put an end to war over land in Europe for the time being. -
The Bessemer Process
This method provided access to cheap, mass-produced steel for the first time. Britain soon became the world's production hub for a century. -
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The First World War
Roughly 900,000 Britain soldiers died and 1.6 million were wounded. Along with this, the first World War completely destroyed Victorian Britain. -
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The Second World War
The Second World War effected Britain greatly, especially in the sense of preparation. The war was coming and this was known; however, actions were not taken to great length and this affected Britain for the next half-century. -
The Foundation of the Welfare State
The Attlee Government fundamentally changed the relationship between the governed and the state in Britain. The new Britain state was a guarantor against hardship or discomfort and would play a greatly increased role in national life. -
The Election of New Labour
Britain was eventually killed off by the New Labour, and this was followed by several events quickly afterward. If this series has had a point it is to demonstrate that national character does exist, and that in Britain, certain national traits – martial aggression, evangelicalism, the privileging of education, a deep attachment to institutions – have shaped our national history and identity.
