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George III comes to the throne
-His reign lasted 60 years.
-He introduced new duties on corn, paper and tea, which caused fierce opposition in the American colonies. -
James Watt invents Newcomen's steam engine
-More powerful and wastes less fuel. -
Boston Tea Party
-Some rebels, dressed as Native Americans, threw the British tea coming from another part of the British Empire, India, into the harbour. -
American War of Independence
-The Americans divided into Patriots and Loyalists.
-The Americans set up an army under the command of George Washington. -
The American Declaration of Independence.
-Written by Thomas Jefferson. -
William Pitt the Younger as Prime Minister
-At the age of 24 chosen by George III.
-He tried to simplify the financial system and reduce the national debt. -
George Washington becomes the first President of the United States of America
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Britain at war with revolutionary France
-The French had a weak navy but proved unbeatable on land.
-A general named Napoleon Bonaparte (military dictator).
-The hero of the British navy was Admiral Horatio Nelson (killed).
-Duke of Wellington led British soldiers to victories in Portugal. -
Act of Union with Ireland
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George IV is made Prince Regent
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Luddite riots
-Increases in the price of bread led to riots in the cities, while in the factories the 'Luddites smashed the new machines. -
'100 Days'
-Ended in final defeat at the hands of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. -
Metropolitan Police force is established
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William IV comes to the throne
-The Great Reform Act was passed in 1832. It extended the vote to almost all male members of the middle classes.
-Parliament abolished slavery in the Factory Act in 1833. -
Accession of Queen Victoria
