547- United States, history of
541
ImmIgratIon
the United Kingdom has
become a multiracial and
multicultural society, with
immigration mainly from
Commonwealth countries
in the Caribbean and from
many of the asian nations.
this picture, taken in the
1960s, shows new arrivals
from Jamaica receiving
meals at a hostel set up to
provide support for
immigrants.admIral nelson
the most famous and daring
commander of the British
royal navy was admiral
Horatio nelson (1758-1805),
who defeated the spanish
and French at the Battle of
trafalgar (1805). Before the
battle, he said, “england
expects every man to do his
duty.” nelson was fatally
wounded in the battle.CHarles II
the Parliamentary army defeated and executed King Charles I during
the english Civil War (1642-51). For nine years oliver Cromwell
(1599-1658), a member of Parliament, and his army, ruled the country
as a republic. In 1660, Charles’ son returned from travels abroad
(above) and claimed the throne as King Charles II. the nation, weary
of the republic, welcomed him.CHartIsts
during the 19th century, British people
fought for the right to vote. groups
such as the Chartists (1837-48)
organized demonstrations demanding
a fairer system with representation
for all, a secret voting system, and
regular elections. above is a Chartist
riot being crushed by the police.United Kingdom
1642-51 Civil War between
the king and Parliament.
1660 Charles II becomes
King of england.
1707 act of Union unites
england, Wales, and
scotland.
1801 Ireland united with
great Britain.1900 Britain is the strongest,
richest country in the world.
1914-18 Britain fights in
World War I.
1931 Commonwealth of
nations is established.
1939-45 Britain fights in
World War II.1945 Welfare state
introduced.
1973 Britain becomes a
member of the european
Community (now the eU).
1997 scotland votes in favor
of its own parliament.ConstItUtIonal CHanges
In 1973, Britain joined the
european Community (now the
european Union, or eU).
gradually, more power over
matters such as trade has
moved from the British
parliament in london to
european institutions in
Brussels. In 1907, scotland
and Wales voted for
“devolution,” decentralizing
power away from london to local
institutions, including a scottish
Parliament in edinburgh.WelFare state
In 1945, following the end of World War II,
a labour government came into power and
introduced a welfare state and universal free
education. this placed most hospitals under public
control. It also provided welfare for people “from
the cradle to the grave”, including free medical
treatment under the national Health service.Find out more
elizabeth i
english civil war
european union
Industrial revolution
normans
United kingdom
VictoriansEuropean Parliament
building in
Strasbourg,
FranceUS_541_US_Hist_of_2.indd 541 27/01/16 2:40 pm