1707
An Act of Union formally united Scotland with England and
Wales as the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
1763
The Treaty of Paris recognized British control of Canada and
India gained during the Seven Years’ War.
1801
An Act of Union took effect which incorporated Ireland into
Great Britain.
1805
Admiral Horatio Nelson’s victory over the French fleet in the
Battle of Trafalgar saved Britain from the threat of invasion.
1815
The Duke of Wellington’s victory at the Battle of Waterloo
ended the Napoleonic Wars.
1830
The first railroad in Great Britain opened between Liverpool
and Manchester.
1832
The Whig Reform Bill extended voting rights to middle-class
men.
1833
Slavery was abolished in the British Empire.
1851
The Great Exhibition in London showcased Great Britain’s
prosperity.
1858
Following the Sepoy Mutiny, the British government assumed
direct control of India from the British East India Company.
1911
The Parliament Act reduced the power of the House of Lords.
1914-1918
Great Britain and the other Allies fought the Central Powers
during World War I. Although the Allies won, the war had shattering economic
and social effects on the country.
1916
British forces crushed the Easter Rebellion in Ireland.
1921
The Irish Free State was created. The British kingdom was
renamed the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
1936
Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry Wallis Warfield
Simpson.
1940
Victory in the air during the Battle of Britain prevented a
German invasion.
1945
After victory in World War II, the Labour party initiated
reforms to make Great Britain a welfare state.
1947
The British colonies of India and Pakistan became independent
nations. Many other British colonies became independent in the following
years.
1972
Northern Ireland came under the direct rule of the British
government, as violence intensified between Catholics and Protestants.
1973
Great Britain joined the European Community.
1979
Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to be elected prime
minister.
1982
Great Britain defeated Argentine forces after Argentina
invaded the Falkland Islands.
1994
The English Channel tunnel opened, linking Great Britain with
France.
