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William the Conqueror (Duke of Normandy) invades England. This marks the beginning of the Norman dynasty and a shift in the ruling class and language of England. -
King John is forced by rebellious barons to sign this charter. It is a foundational document that limited the King's power, protected against imprisonment without trial, and required the King to consult the barons on taxes. -
Henry VIII breaks away from the Roman Catholic Church and declares himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England, launching the English Reformation. -
Wales is legally and administratively absorbed into England; English laws are extended to Wales, and Welsh representatives join the English Parliament. -
A period often called the "Golden Age." Elizabeth I establishes a religious compromise (the "Middle Way" between Catholicism and Protestantism) and oversees a time of relative stability and exploration.
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The English navy defeats the fleet sent by Philip II of Spain to invade England. This victory boosted English national pride and secured the Protestant reformation. -
When Elizabeth I dies without an heir, James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England. The two countries share one monarch but remain politically separate for another century. -
The establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America (Virginia), marking the beginning of the British Empire in the Americas. -
A conflict between the Royalists (supporters of King Charles I) and the Parliamentarians (led by Oliver Cromwell), arising from disputes over religion and the King's power.
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The King is put on trial and beheaded for treason. The monarchy is abolished, and England becomes a republic (the Commonwealth) under Cromwell. -
After the failure of the republic following Cromwell's death, Parliament invites Charles II to return from exile, restoring the monarchy. -
A peaceful coup where Catholic King James II is removed from the throne and replaced by his Protestant daughter Mary II and her husband William of Orange. -
A crucial constitutional document signed by William and Mary. It established a constitutional monarchy, officially limiting the monarch's powers and affirming the supremacy of Parliament. -
The parliaments of Scotland and England are merged into one Parliament at Westminster, creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain. -
Thirteen North American colonies rebel against British rule. The loss of these colonies marked the end of the "First British Empire."
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Ireland is politically united with Great Britain, dissolving the Dublin parliament and creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. -
A major step in democracy: the right to vote is granted to all men over 21 and to women over 30 (who owned property). -
Following a war of independence, the island is divided. The south becomes the independent Irish Free State (later Republic of Ireland), while Northern Ireland remains part of the UK.
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Full universal suffrage is achieved; women are granted the right to vote at age 21, on the same terms as men. -
A peace deal that ended decades of violence (The Troubles) in Northern Ireland. It also led to Devolution, creating local parliaments/assemblies in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.