Key Historical Events and Figures in British and American History

A collection of flashcards focused on key historical events and figures from British and American history, designed for exam preparation.

What is the Magna Carta and why is it important?

The Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215, limited the king's power and established that everyone is subject to the law, laying the foundation for democracy and human rights.

Who is Henry VIII and what is he famous for?

Henry VIII was the king who had six wives, broke from the Roman Catholic Church, and established the Church of England during the 16th century.

During which years did Elizabeth I and Shakespeare live?

Elizabeth I lived from 1533 to 1603, and William Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616 during the Elizabethan Era.

What was the Commonwealth and who was its leader after King Charles I's execution?

The Commonwealth was a republic established after King Charles I's execution in 1649, with Oliver Cromwell serving as Lord Protector.

What role did William of Orange play in English history?

William of Orange was invited to invade England during the Glorious Revolution in 1688 and became joint monarch with Mary in 1689, confirming constitutional monarchy.

When did Britain lose the American Colonies?

Britain lost the American Colonies from 1775 to 1783 during the Revolutionary War, with American independence recognized by the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

When was Queen Victoria born and when did she reign?

Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and reigned from 1837 to 1901.

What significant event happened in Ireland in 1921?

The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed, officially dividing Ireland into the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.

Who was Margaret Thatcher?

Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the UK from 1979 to 1990, known as the 'Iron Lady' for her strong free-market policies.

What political party is in power in the UK as of 2024 and who is the Prime Minister?

The Labour Party is in power and the Prime Minister is Keir Starmer.

What is the difference between England, Great Britain, and the UK?

England is a country; Great Britain is the island containing England, Scotland, and Wales; the UK includes Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

What type of party is the Labour Party?

The Labour Party is a social-democratic party that supports fairness, equality, and workers' rights.

What type of party are the Tories?

The Tories, or Conservative Party, are centre-right, favoring low taxes and personal responsibility.

What are the key values of the Liberal Democrats?

The Liberal Democrats are a centre-left party that values liberty, equality, democracy, and human rights.

What is devolution in Scotland and Wales?

Devolution refers to the transfer of powers from the UK Parliament to Scotland and Wales, allowing them to have their own governments.

What does the Home Office do?

The Home Office is responsible for public safety, police, and immigration in the UK.

Who were the early occupants of Britain?

The early occupants of Britain were Celtic tribes, including the Picts in the north.

When did the Roman occupation of Britain occur?

The Roman occupation began around 40 AD and ended around 410 AD.

Which Germanic peoples conquered Britain between 400–700 AD?

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes conquered Britain, pushing the Celts westward.

Which group invaded Britain around 700–900 AD?

The Vikings, who were Danish and Scandinavian, invaded Britain during this period.

Why is the year 1066 significant in British history?

The year 1066 is significant due to the Battle of Hastings, where William the Conqueror defeated King Harold, marking the start of Norman rule.

What constitutes the UK Parliament?

The UK Parliament consists of the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the Sovereign (King Charles III).

What is the main difference between the House of Commons and the House of Lords?

The House of Commons is elected and holds main power, while the House of Lords is appointed and reviews laws.

What are hereditary peers and life peers?

Hereditary peers inherit their titles, while life peers are appointed by the monarch for life.

Who is the current Sovereign and who is the Prince of Wales?

The current Sovereign is King Charles III and the Prince of Wales is Prince William.

What is an MP?

An MP stands for Member of Parliament, elected by constituencies in general elections.

What is the Prime Minister's address?

The Prime Minister's official address is 10 Downing Street, London.

What is the shadow cabinet?

The shadow cabinet consists of senior MPs from the opposition party, responsible for scrutinizing the government.

What are backbenchers?

Backbenchers are MPs who are not ministers and represent voters.

What is the Dutch equivalent of Whitehall?

The Dutch equivalent of Whitehall is Binnenhof, located in The Hague.

What are bank holidays in the UK?

Bank holidays are national holidays in the UK with 9 each year, established under the Bank Holiday Bill of 1871.

What does the U.S. Congress consist of?

The U.S. Congress consists of the Senate (100 senators) and the House of Representatives (435 members).

How is the American President elected and what is the term length?

The President is elected every 4 years, with a maximum of 2 terms in office.

What are the two main political parties in the U.S.?

The two main political parties are the Democrats (center-left) and Republicans (conservative).

What distinguishes North and South England?

The North is historically poorer and more industrial, while the South is richer, densely populated, and politically influential.

What is the significance of The Midlands in England?

The Midlands is a central region in England known for its industrial history, including cities like Birmingham.

What is the state religion in England?

The state religion in England is the Church of England (Anglican Church).

What is the state religion in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland?

In Scotland, it is the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian), and in the Republic of Ireland, it is Catholicism.

Who were the original inhabitants of Australia?

The original inhabitants of Australia are Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders.

What was Australia's function in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, Australia functioned as a British penal colony.

What are the main products of Australia?

Australia's main products include wool, wheat, livestock, and minerals like iron ore and gold.

Who were the original inhabitants of New Zealand?

The original inhabitants of New Zealand are the Māori people.

What are New Zealand's main exports?

New Zealand's main exports include dairy, meat, wool, and wine.

What is the position of Gibraltar?

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, controlled by the UK for defense and foreign policy.

When was Hong Kong returned to China?

Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997 under the 'one country, two systems' policy.

Why is the U.S. referred to as a 'melting pot'?

The U.S. is called a 'melting pot' because many nationalities and ethnicities have blended into a single American culture.

What do the terms 'salad bowl' or 'pizza' signify in regards to U.S. culture?

They signify that different cultures retain their identities while being part of the larger American society.

What is Silicon Valley known for?

Silicon Valley is known as a hub for major tech companies and startups, particularly in the computer industry.

What are the five groups that make up the U.S. population?

The five groups are Natives, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, and Anglo-Americans.

What is the difference between state schools and independent schools in the UK?

State schools are government-funded and free, while independent schools charge tuition and are not required to follow the National Curriculum.

What is the importance of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights?

The Constitution establishes the government structure, while the Bill of Rights protects basic human rights.

What was the American Civil War about?

The American Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, was primarily about the issue of slavery.

What was the outcome of the Civil War?

The Union won, leading to the abolition of slavery, and the South was rebuilt during Reconstruction.

What happened to Native Americans in the 19th century?

Native Americans were forcibly removed from their land through acts and wars, leading to their relocation to reservations.

What was Prohibition and when did it occur?

Prohibition, from 1920 to 1933, was when the 18th Amendment banned alcohol, leading to speakeasies and organized crime.

What triggered the Great Depression?

The Great Depression was triggered by the stock market crash in October 1929, leading to massive unemployment and poverty.

What is the National Curriculum?

The National Curriculum outlines the subjects and standards that all state schools in England must follow.

What are the British equivalents for different types of schools?

Examples include: Peuterspeelzaal = Nursery, Basisschool = Primary School, Voortgezet onderwijs = Secondary School.

What is the Sixth Form in the UK education system?

The Sixth Form refers to the last two years of secondary education where students study for A-Levels.

How do GCSEs and A-Levels function in the UK education system?

GCSEs are taken at age 16, while A-Levels are taken at age 18, typically required for university entrance.

What is the difference between marks and grades in the education system?

Marks are numerical scores, while grades are categorized letter representations of performance.

What defines a public school in Britain versus the U.S.?

In Britain, a public school is often an independent, expensive school, while in the U.S. it refers to state-funded schools.

What are prep schools in Britain?

Prep schools are private schools for ages 7-13 that prepare students for entry into independent schools.

What is the difference between day schools and boarding schools?

Day schools allow students to go home after classes, while boarding schools require students to live on campus.

What are school meals and extra-curricular activities in UK schools?

School meals must meet nutritional standards, while extra-curricular activities include clubs and sports outside regular lessons.

What does Oxbridge refer to in British education?

Oxbridge refers to the high prestige universities of Oxford and Cambridge, known for their collegiate system.

How do students apply to universities in Britain?

Students apply through UCAS, considering grades, personal statements, and references.

What are the types of degrees available in Britain?

Degrees include Bachelor's (BA/BSc), Master's (MA/MSc), and Doctorates (PhD/DPhil).