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43
43 AD - Roman Conquest of Britain
The Roman Empire invades and occupies Britain, initiating a period of Roman rule that lasts for almost 400 years. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/story-of-england/romans/invasion/ -
410
End of Roman Rule in Britain
The Roman Empire exits Britain, marking the beginning of the Anglo-Saxon era. https://www.historyskills.com/classroom/ancient-history/romans-leave-britain/ -
1066
Norman Conquest
William the Conqueror invades England and triumphs over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. This victory initiates Norman rule, transforming English culture, language, and governance.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Norman_Conquest_of_England/ -
1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
King John signs the Magna Carta, limiting royal power and establishing the principle that everyone, including the king, is subject to the law. https://www.history.com/topics/european-history/magna-carta -
1337
1337 - 1453 - The Hundred Years' War
The long struggle between England and France to control French territories makes English national identity stronger.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Hundred-Years-War -
1534
Act of Supremacy
King Henry VIII breaks from the Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England and beginning the English Reformation. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Act-of-Supremacy-England-1534 -
1642 - 1651 - English Civil War
A struggle between the Royalist forces supporting Charles I and the Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell, which ended with the king's execution and the formation of the Commonwealth. https://www.britannica.com/event/English-Civil-Wars -
Formation of the United Kingdom
The Act of Union unites the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain. https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/The-Act-of-Union/ -
Act of Union with Ireland
Merged the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland https://www.britannica.com/event/Act-of-Union-United-Kingdom-1801 -
Victorian Era
During the reign of Queen Victoria, the British Empire experienced expansion, industrialization progressed, and noteworthy social, political, and economic transformations occurred.
https://www.history.com/topics/19th-century/victorian-era-timeline -
World War I
The UK played a key role in the Allied victory, which led to major political and social changes, including the beginning of the British Empire's decline. https://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwone/overview_britain_ww1_01.shtml -
World War II
UK plays a crucial role in defeating Nazi Germany.
Post-War Changes: creation of the welfare state and the establishment of the National Health Service https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/what-role-did-the-british-empire-play-in-the-second-world-war -
UK Joins the European Economic Community (EEC)
The UK becomes a member of the EEC, the precursor to the European Union, resulting in closer integration with Europe. https://blogs.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/archivesandmanuscripts/2013/01/14/40-years-ago-britain-joins-the-eec/ -
Devolution
The UK transfers authority to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, leading to the establishment of their own parliaments and assemblies. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/devolution-of-powers-to-scotland-wales-and-northern-ireland -
Brexit Referendum
The UK decides to exit the European Union, initiating the ongoing Brexit process. https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64450882 -
Official Brexit
On January 31, 2020, the UK formally exits the European Union, concluding a 47-year relationship.