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Union of the Crowns
Union of the Crowns: James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England, uniting the crowns of Scotland and England. -
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English Civil War
1642-1651 - English Civil War: Conflict between Royalists (supporters of King Charles I) and Parliamentarians, leading to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy. -
Execution of Charles I
1649 - Execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. -
The Restoration
1660 - The Restoration: The monarchy is restored with Charles II as king. -
Glorious Revolution
1688 - Glorious Revolution: James II is overthrown, and William III and Mary II ascend the throne, establishing a constitutional monarchy. -
Act of Union
1707 - Act of Union: The Kingdom of Great Britain is formed by the unification of England and Scotland. -
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Seven Years' War
1756-1763 - Seven Years' War: Britain emerges as a major colonial power -
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American Revolutionary War
1775-1783 - American Revolutionary War: The thirteen American colonies gain independence from Britain. -
Act of Union
1801 - Act of Union: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is formed. -
Battle of Trafalgar
1805 - Battle of Trafalgar: A decisive naval victory over Napoleon's forces. -
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Victorian Era
1837-1901 - Victorian Era: A period of industrial revolution, colonial expansion, and cultural change. -
The Great Exhibition
1851 - The Great Exhibition: Showcasing British industrial achievements. -
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World War I
1914-1918 - World War I: Britain is a key member of the Allied powers. -
Irish Free State
1922 - Irish Free State: Most of Ireland gains independence from the UK -
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World War II
1939-1945 - World War II: Britain plays a central role in the Allied victory -
Independence of India and Pakistan
1947 - Independence of India and Pakistan: Britain begins the decolonization process. -
Queen Elizabeth
1952 - Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne. -
EEC
1973 - The UK joins the European Economic Community (EEC). -
Handover of Hong Kong
1997 - Handover of Hong Kong: The last significant British colony is returned to China -
Brexit Referendum
2016 - Brexit Referendum: The UK votes to leave the European Union -
Manchester Arena Bombing
2017 - Manchester Arena Bombing: A terrorist attack during an Ariana Grande concert kills 22 people -
Windrush Scandal
2018 - Windrush Scandal: The British government faces backlash for the mistreatment of Caribbean immigrants. -
Boris Johnson
2019 - Boris Johnson becomes Prime Minister: He leads the Conservative Party and plays a key role in advancing Brexit -
COVID-19 Pandemic
2020 - COVID-19 Pandemic: The UK faces one of the highest death tolls in Europe, leading to nationwide lockdowns and economic challenges -
Queen Elizabeth II passes away
2022 - Queen Elizabeth II passes away: Her death marks the end of the longest reign in British history, and Charles III becomes king -
Coronation of King Charles III
2023 - Coronation of King Charles III: The UK holds its first coronation in over 70 years, marking a new era for the monarchy.