Historical Encyclopedia
The history of Great Britain begins with ancient civilizations. The first people arrived in these lands over 8000 years ago. Ancient Celtic tribes, such as the Britons, settled the islands and created many cultural centers.
In the 1st century BC, the Romans began their conquest of Britain. In AD 43, Emperor Claudius announced the start of the Roman occupation, which lasted nearly 400 years. The Romans established many towns, including London, and built a network of roads that facilitated trade.
After the Romans left in the 5th century, Britain faced invasions by Anglo-Saxons, who formed several kingdoms, including Mercia and Wessex. This period is known as the "Dark Ages" due to a lack of written records.
By the 8th century, the Viking Age began, with the Vikings raiding British lands. In 865, the Vikings captured York, leading to the establishment of Danelaw, which covered part of England.
In the 9th-10th centuries, kingdoms began to unite to resist the Vikings. Alfred the Great, king of Wessex, became one of the first monarchs to unite lands against external threats. By the end of the 10th century, England was united under the rule of kings from the Wessex dynasty.
In 1066, a significant event occurred: the Norman Conquest of England. William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings and became King of England. This conquest led to profound changes in the political and social structure of the country.
During the medieval period, England experienced numerous dynastic conflicts, including the Wars of the Roses between the Houses of Lancaster and York. In 1485, Henry Tudor, a representative of the House of Lancaster, became King Henry VII, ending the conflicts and founding the Tudor dynasty.
The reign of Henry VIII (1509-1547) was marked by significant changes, including the separation of the English Church from the Roman Catholic Church, leading to the formation of Anglicanism.
Scotland has its unique history, starting with ancient Celtic tribes. In the 5th-6th centuries, kingdoms such as the Picts and Scots formed in Scotland. In 843, the kingdom of the Scots and Picts united, marking the beginning of the Scottish kingdom.
In the 9th century, Scottish kings began the struggle against the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. The most famous of them was King Robert the Bruce, who achieved independence from England in the early 14th century.
In the 16th-17th centuries, Scotland and England grew closer. In 1603, King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England, leading to the unification of the monarchy, although the countries remained politically distinct.
In 1707, the Act of Union was passed, uniting England and Scotland into one kingdom — Great Britain. This act was driven by economic and political factors, including the need to combat external threats and internal conflicts.
In the 18th-19th centuries, Great Britain underwent the Industrial Revolution, which drastically changed the economy and society. The development of factory production, transportation, and trade contributed to the growth of cities and the creation of the working class.
During this period, Great Britain also expanded its empire, becoming a leading colonial power. The British Empire encompassed vast territories in America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
The 20th century was a time of significant trials for Great Britain. World War I (1914-1918) resulted in enormous human and material losses. World War II (1939-1945) also had a devastating impact on the country, but after the war, recovery began, leading to the establishment of a welfare system.
After the war, Great Britain faced a process of decolonization, with many colonies gaining independence, which changed the political map of the world.
Today, Great Britain is a multinational country with a rich cultural heritage. It plays an important role in global politics and economics, remaining one of the leading centers of finance and culture.
In recent years, Great Britain has faced new challenges, including Brexit, which concluded in 2020 and led to the country's departure from the European Union. This event had a significant impact on the economy and politics of the country.