Throughout its history, England has been shaped by monumental events, with its society and culture evolving and adapting under the influence of these happenings.
The historical events that are learned at school are often reduced to dates, names of places, and people that must be learnt for tests or assignments. Our goal is to bring these events to life by giving you details about their happenings, showcasing remnants that tie them to the modern day, and bridging the connection between those happenings and what is happening today.
Prehistory, Roman Invasion, and Birth of the Kingdom of England
The prehistoric England is one of great intrigue and mystery. We learn about the Celts, the Prehistoric people of England, and their settlements throughout the country. But their stories and legends are the subject of speculation, and there is still much to be explored. Landmarks such as Stonehenge hold monumental importance, but we are still finding out how these natives lived on the island, what languages they spoke, and what kinds of tools or innovations they created to enhance their quality of life.
The Roman Invasion of Britain in 43 AD drastically altered the political landscape, agriculture and technology in the lives of the people of England. Remnants of the Roman influence in England are still visible in famous landmarks such as Hadrian’s Wall or the Roman Baths in Bath. Even the basis of the now-old English monetary system (12 pennies to a shilling and 20 shillings to a pound) stems from the Roman practices of the time.
Centuries later, England had become a nation divided by individual kingdoms and was bombarded by Viking invasions. Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex, was the first to unite the individual kingdoms and become the first King of England. The Warrior King’s legacy continued until William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066 at the Battle of Hastings, ushering in a new age for the island nation. This saw further developments in England’s legal system and huge advances in agriculture, production and infrastructure.
Norman Influence, Monarchical Change and Expanse
England was one of the pivotal kingdoms in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, establishing its military and colonial strength in the early developments of what would become one of the largest empires in the world and human history. The country was the birthplace of countless pioneering scientists, explorers, writers and artists. All the while, the nation was thrown into turmoil with the rise and fall of monarchical dynasties, split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1524, and was rocked by numerous Civil Wars. The Rose Wars, the English Civil War, and the Glorious Revolution saw the English Crown change hands multiple times and marked centuries of instability and brutal fighting. Yet the nation persevered.
The makings of the British Empire trace back to the 16th century, with the very first overseas colonies in Ireland. The Age of Exploration, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, saw the first English settlements in America. Explorers, such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake, were pivotal in expanding the Kingdom’s reach to obscure corners of the globe, from the East Indies to the Americas and West Indies. The Treaty of Union, some 150 years later, combined England and Scotland into a new sovereign state called Great Britain. It also saw the English overseas territories become British colonies.
The Industrial Revolution and the Rise and Fall of the British Empire
The Industrial Revolution is one of the most important precursors of modern-day England. Just like any other epoch or era in history, this brought about tremendous changes in the lives of everyday people.
The following two centuries saw this Empire expand to reach 1/4 of the world’s territory, and the country strived during the Age of Enlightenment and the following Industrial Revolution. England was among the foremost countries in the world to adopt industrialisation, with James Watt, George Stephenson, and Michael Faraday paving the way for the industrialised future of the country. It also inspired writers, artists, and poets from across the country to produce some of the most important classics of the time.
By the 20th century, England was one of the most powerful and significant countries in the world. The descendants of Queen Victoria ruled many of the biggest European Kingdoms, but this was all thrown into turmoil with the outbreak of the Great War. This landmark is still very important in England, as the country was one of the main belligerents of the War to End War, and it also saw the dismantling of most of the European kingdoms. Yet England survived the war and was yet again called to arms for the Second World War some 20 years later.
The Makings of Modern Day England
England felt a greater impact following the conclusion of the Second World War. This initiated the deconstruction of the British Empire and a complete reform in the domestic political and societal structure.
The 20th century also marked a change in the equality of the people of England and huge social reforms. The Suffragette Movement in the early 20th century revolutionised women’s rights, paving the way for modern democracy. Following the end of the Second World War, the National Health Service was founded. The Bank of England was nationalised, as was heavy industry and the creation of the welfare state. Postwar England saw the rise of many artists, musicians, and writers, pioneering the landscape of modern world culture.