Open questions

Historical relations between Britain and Ireland

Step 1: England takes control

• In the Middle Ages, England invaded Ireland.

• Over time, England gained more and more control.

Step 2: Problems begin

• England sent many Protestants to settle in Ireland.

• Most Irish people remained Catholic.

• This caused tensions.

Step 3: Ireland joins the UK

• In 1801, Ireland officially became part of the United Kingdom.

Step 4: The Great Famine

• In 1845–1849, the potato crop failed.

• Around 1 million Irish people died.

• Many blamed Britain for not helping enough.

Step 5: Independence

• Irish people wanted independence.

• After the Easter Rising (1916) and a war, most of Ireland became independent in 1922.

Step 6: Northern Ireland stays British

• Northern Ireland remained part of the UK.

Step 7: The Troubles

• Catholics and Protestants fought for decades.

Step 8: Peace

• The Good Friday Agreement (1998) largely ended the violence.

Historical relations between Britain and Europe (France, Germany, EU)

First: enemies

• Britain fought many wars against France.

• Biggest example: Napoleon and Waterloo (1815).

Then: allies

• In World War I and World War II, Britain and France fought together against Germany.

Then: cooperation

• Europe started working together economically.

• Britain joined the European Economic Community in 1973.

Then: Brexit

• Britain voted to leave the EU in 2016.

• Officially left in 2020.

Historical relations between Britain and the Empire/Commonwealth

Step 1: Build an empire

• Britain started creating colonies around the world.

Step 2: Become the biggest empire

• During the 1800s Britain controlled huge territories.

• It became the world's leading power.

Step 3: Empire declines

• After World War II colonies wanted independence.

Step 4: Decolonisation

• India became independent in 1947.

• Many other colonies followed.

Step 5: Commonwealth

• Former colonies stayed connected through the Commonwealth.

Historical relations between Britain and the USA

Step 1: Colony

• America started as British colonies.

Step 2: Independence

• Americans declared independence in 1776.

Step 3: Former enemies

• Britain and the USA fought wars after independence.

Step 4: Friends

• By the 1900s relations improved.

Step 5: Special Relationship

• They fought together in WWII.

• They remain close allies today.

How did Britain become a democracy?

Step 1: Powerful kings

• Medieval kings had almost all power.

Step 2: Magna Carta (1215)

• King John was forced to accept limits on his power.

Step 3: Parliament grows

• Parliament became more important.

Step 4: Glorious Revolution (1688)

• Parliament became stronger than the monarch.

Step 5: More people can vote

• Reform Acts in the 1800s expanded voting rights.

Step 6: Universal suffrage

• Men gained the vote in 1918.

• Women gained equal voting rights in 1928.

Historical developments in devolution

Step 1: Power in London

• Westminster controlled almost everything.

Step 2: Regional demands

• Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland wanted more control.

Step 3: Devolution

• In 1998–1999, new institutions were created:

  • Scottish Parliament

  • Welsh Assembly

  • Northern Ireland Assembly

Step 4: More powers

• Scotland and Wales gradually received additional powers.