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Britain as a Global Power

Section 1 of 2

Section 1

The Act of Union and Empire

Act of Union (1707)

The kingdoms of England and Scotland united to form Great Britain. The union of Great Britain and Ireland took place in 1801, creating the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

British Empire

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Britain built a vast empire:

American Independence

The 13 American colonies won independence from Britain in 1783 following the American Revolution, creating the United States of America.

The Napoleonic Wars

Britain fought against France under Napoleon Bonaparte. Admiral Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) and the Duke of Wellington's victory at Waterloo (1815) ended French dominance.

📆Key Dates
  • 1707 - Act of Union (England + Scotland = Great Britain)
  • 1801 - Union with Ireland (creating United Kingdom)
  • 1783 - American Independence
  • 1805 - Battle of Trafalgar (Admiral Nelson)
  • 1807 - Abolished slave trade
  • 1815 - Battle of Waterloo (Duke of Wellington)
  • 1833 - Abolished slavery throughout empire

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Britain as a Global Power - Life in the UK Study Guide