5. British History and Culture to the Victorian Age (1837)

Periods of British History Before the Victorian Age (1837)

  1. Prehistory and Roman Britain
  2. The Middle Ages (440-1485)
    • Anglo-Saxon Period
    • Battle of Hastings
    • Hundred Years’ War
    • War of the Roses
  3. The Tudor Era (1485-1603)
    • Church of England
    • Elizabethan Era
  4. The Stuart Era (1603-1688)
    • English Civil War
    • Commonwealth
    • Glorious Revolution
  5. The Eighteenth Century and Industrial Revolution

I. Origins of British Civilization and Culture

  • Diversity of Culture:
    • British culture is not homogeneous; it consists of a variety of influences.
  • Geographical Composition:
    • The United Kingdom includes Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland) and Northern Ireland.
  • Early Inhabitants:
    • Initially populated by Paleolithic and Mesolithic peoples.
    • Celts arrived during the Iron Age.
  • Roman Invasions:
    • Julius Caesar invaded in 55 BC but effective control started in 43 AD, creating Roman province Britannia.
    • This brought Roman civilization and cultural influence.
  • Post-Roman Invasions:
    • After the fall of Rome, Germanic tribes (Angles, Saxons, Jutes) invaded, leading to the establishment of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
  • Spread of Christianity:
    • The first churches were established in the 4th century, with the religion spreading during Anglo-Saxon times.
  • Viking Invasions:
    • Late 8th century saw Viking invasions, which led to cultural exchanges with Anglo-Saxons.

II. The Middle Ages (1066-1485)

  • Battle of Hastings (1066):
    • William, Duke of Normandy, conquered Britain, marking the beginning of the Anglo-Norman Period.
  • Multifaceted Society:
    • By the late 11th century, Britain was culturally diverse with multiple languages and ethnicities.
  • Language Shift:
    • French became the official language until the 14th century, leading to the evolution of modern English from Anglo-Saxon and French.
  • Magna Carta (1215):
    • Established principles of law and accountability, stating even the king is subject to the law.
  • Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453):
    • Notable conflict between England and France over the French throne, leading to England losing territory in France.
  • Wars of the Roses (1455-1487):
    • Civil war between the Houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne, resulting in Henry VII's ascension.

III. The Tudor Era (1485-1603)

  • Tudor Ascendancy:
    • Marked by Henry VII's crowning post-Wars of the Roses, leading to stability.
  • Strengthening Monarchy:
    • Power of the monarchy extended significantly during the Tudor period.
  • Henry VIII and the Church of England (1534):
    • He proclaimed himself the head of the Church of England, leading to the dissolution of monasteries and wealth accumulation.
  • Religious Conflict:
    • Henry VIII’s successors saw tension between Catholics and Protestants:
      • Edward VI reigned briefly (1547-1553)
      • Mary I sought to reinstate Catholicism, persecuting Protestants (Bloody Mary).
      • Elizabeth I's reign (1558-1603) is a notable period of peace and cultural flourishing (English Renaissance).

IV. The Stuart Era (1603-1688)

  • Union of Crowns (1603):
    • James I of England integrated the Scottish and English crowns, but governance remained separate until 1707.
  • Jacobean Literature:
    • Shakespeare’s notable works, including "King Lear" and "Macbeth," were created during this reign.
  • Caroline Era (1625-1642):
    • Characterized by political tensions leading to the English Civil War.
  • English Civil War (1642-1651):
    • Conflict between Parliamentarians and Royalists resulted in King Charles I’s execution and the establishment of the Commonwealth led by Oliver Cromwell.
  • Restoration of Monarchy (1660):
    • Charles II’s return restored traditional monarchy, ending the Commonwealth.
  • Glorious Revolution (1688):
    • Overthrow of James II, leading to constitutional monarchy with the Bill of Rights limiting royal power.

V. The Eighteenth Century and the Industrial Revolution

  • Act of Union (1707):
    • Unified the Parliaments of England and Scotland creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.
  • George I (1714-1727):
    • Introduced a German-speaking king, leading to a passive monarchy delegating power to the Prime Minister.
  • Significant Events During George III’s Reign (1760-1820):
    • Included the Seven Year’s War, American War of Independence, French Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution.
  • Industrial Revolution:
    • Began in the late 18th century, making England a leading modern nation.