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   Marks the end of Roman control and the beginning of Anglo-Saxon influence. Marks the end of Roman control and the beginning of Anglo-Saxon influence.
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   The beginning of Old English, as Anglo-Saxon tribes settle in Britain. The beginning of Old English, as Anglo-Saxon tribes settle in Britain.
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   One of the most famous Old English works, possibly written around this time. One of the most famous Old English works, possibly written around this time.
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   The invasion of England by William the Conqueror, bringing Norman French influence on English. The invasion of England by William the Conqueror, bringing Norman French influence on English.
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   Landmark document in English legal history that was written in Latin but influenced the development of English legal terms. Landmark document in English legal history that was written in Latin but influenced the development of English legal terms.
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  The plague that decimated the population, leading to changes in society and language.
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   A key literary work that marks the rise of English in literature, written in Middle English. A key literary work that marks the rise of English in literature, written in Middle English.
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   The invention by Gutenberg, which greatly influenced the spread of written English. The invention by Gutenberg, which greatly influenced the spread of written English.
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   The European exploration led to the introduction of new vocabulary and linguistic exchange. The European exploration led to the introduction of new vocabulary and linguistic exchange.
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   The publication of Shakespeare's collected works, which helped standardize English spelling and grammar. The publication of Shakespeare's collected works, which helped standardize English spelling and grammar.
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  The war that led to the independence of the United States, influencing English vocabulary.
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  The impact of WWII on global English, spreading English as an international language.