Key Events and Periods in British History
Definitions
- Dominions: During the fight for independence, the term “dominions” referred to territories that were part of the British Empire but had acquired a high degree of autonomy in their internal government.
- The Great Heathen Army: This was a coalition of Viking warriors that invaded England, with the goal of conquering and settling in English territory. The GHA conquered several Anglo-Saxon kingdoms but faced resistance in Wessex under King Alfred.
- Welfare: In the 1940s, “welfare” referred to government programs designed to support people in need, particularly after the Great Depression and during World War II. It included financial aid, healthcare, and food assistance.
- Hundred Years’ War: This was a conflict between England and France over control of the French throne. The Treaty of Troyes was signed, stating that English monarchs would become the heirs to the throne of France, so Henry VI became king of England and France. Finally, in the Battle of Castillon, the English were expelled from the continent.
The Tudors and the English Reformation
The Tudor period was a time of change, peace, and stability after the War of the Roses, with demographic growth and more centralized power. Henry Tudor (Henry VII) had a weak claim to the throne, so he sought acknowledgment outside England through treaties: the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with Scotland, the Treaty of Medina del Campo with Spain, and a treaty with France.
English Reformation:
- Origins: Henry VIII married Katherine of Aragon and had a daughter, Mary I. Henry wanted a divorce to marry Anne Boleyn.
- Divorce: Divorce wasn’t accepted, so the king sought to create his own church. Thomas Cromwell (a defender of the Reformation) declared the first marriage invalid and the second legitimate. Henry married Anne, and Elizabeth I was born.
- New Church: The Act of Appeals made the king the supreme head of the Church in England. The Treason Act made denying the king’s supremacy an act of treason. Monasteries were closed, and Henry VIII remained orthodox in his beliefs.
- Personal and Political Instability: The Pilgrimage of Grace was a revolution caused by resistance to the English Reformation. Anne Boleyn was executed, declared guilty of treason as she was a threat to Cromwell. Henry married Jane Grey, who gave birth to a male heir. Cromwell was later executed.
English Kings:
- Mary I: Raised as a Catholic, she married Philip II of Spain. Known as “Bloody Mary” due to her persecution of Protestants, a name fueled by Protestant propaganda.
- Elizabeth I: Continued her father’s Reformation, persecuted Catholics and Puritans, and was known as the “Virgin Queen.” She used marriage as a diplomatic and political tool, notably during the Spanish Armada.
19th and 20th Century Developments
- Reform Bill 1832: This was significant legislation in the political history of the UK. It was a bill passed by Parliament that extended the franchise (right to vote) gradually, although women remained excluded.
- Marshall Plan: Created by George Marshall, this was an economic aid program promoted by the USA to help and recover Europe after World War II.
- Scots: A Celtic tribe originating from Ireland that moved to Scotland. Together with the Picts, they were attacked by Queen Boudicca but later invaded Britain.
- Dominions: (Repeated definition for clarity) During the fight for independence, the term “dominions” referred to territories that were part of the British Empire but had acquired a high degree of autonomy in their internal government.
The Norman Conquest
The Norman Conquest in 1066 was a case of colonial occupation, where noblemen built castles to control the people. Replacing the local elite, they imposed Norman culture and language.
- Politics, Government, and Law: Feudalism was the base of social relations, using “royal patronage” (vassals made oaths to the king in exchange for land). Government was centralized. The Domesday Book was created to record land ownership for taxation purposes. Henry II wanted to unify the country, creating common law and royal court justice. In 1215, John I was forced to sign Magna Carta, limiting royal power. Finally, there were disagreements between the church and the king.
- Economy and Society: It was primarily an agrarian society (90%), with the aristocracy comprising 10%. Towns would become more important over time.
- English Monarchs: Further details on specific monarchs are needed to complete this section.