Great Britain historical summary
Middle 1700's
The Whigs continue their control of Parliament, new King George II remains as uninterested in ruling as his father had been, a Jacobite revolt occurs in Scotland.
Britain suffered great poverty during this time. A study shows of the 2339 children admitted into London work houses, only 168 remain alive after five years. Many beg and are dying in the streets; to combat the rampant alcoholism, a gin tax is also levied.
Medicine is improved and viewed more scientifically, hospitals appear in many cities.
In 1752, Great Britain adopts the Gregorian Calendar. The date is progressed 11 days to match European date, where this calendar has been used since 1582.
European nations begin allying against expansionist Prussia, who attacks and begins a Seven Years War in 1756. Britain joins Prussia and attacks France, finally defeating her in Europe in 1759.
A more important gain for Britain is won in her battles with the French North American Colonies. Britain takes possession of New France and now controls about half of North America.
Liberal ideals grow in the 13 Colonies, where the right to free speech is won during the libel case of a New York publisher. Slavery is still practiced in the British Empire, and especially in the colonies: one fifth of the populations are black slaves from Africa.
1760's
The colonies in British North America continue to agitate, as taxes have been raised to pay for the recent war effort. The colonies now feel that British rule is irrelevant with New France conquered. The conflicts centre around principle, not action, and do not appear to be resolvable.
George III has assumed the throne and desires a more powerful monarchy. He stacks the Parliament in his favour, but meets with public disapproval.
Improvements:
- Economically, canals begin to improve transportation.
- Factories spring up as improved.
- Coal use promotes steam-powered inventions, and their efficiency in manufacturing begins mechanization of production.
In 1770 Captain Cook claims Australia for Britain, landing in Botany Bay.
1770's
Political struggles continue over freedom of election, the press and freedom of speech, exacerbated by King George III's undemocratic dealings in the parliament.
Slavery is ended in Britain, but continues in her colonies.
Britain relieves some colonial taxes, but resentment across the Atlantic grows. As colonial resentments peak, the War of American Independence is begun.
The steam powered engine has been improved and the first sale to industry (a pump for mining) is made in 1775, thus beginning the Industrial Revolution. Before this time, most machines that existed were powered by water, wind and people in small factories or at home "cottage industries".
1780's
By 1783, Great Britain admits the loss of its 13 Colonies and recognizes the new United States of America. This speeds the trend towards stronger parliaments, less effective monarchs, and eventually improved representation.
The slave trade is delivering 100,000 slaves to North America each year, with slaver ships following a triangular trade path from Europe (especially Britain and France) to Africa, to America and back to Europe. Anti-slavery attitudes grow. Penal colonies are established in Australia.
Breech-loading guns replace barrel-loaded muskets.
Education of youth begins in "Sunday Schools", as most youths work in factories during the week.
The London Times newspaper begins publication.
1790's
The revolution in France sparks fierce debate over the freedoms and inherent rights of humanity, leading to thoughts of manhood suffrage, more effective governance, lower taxes and aid for aged and poor.
France declares war on Britain, whose challenges are increased by a revolt in Ireland eventually put down through brutal violence, and a rebellion with in the British navy which resulted in better conditions and continued sea defence plus a blockade of French ports.
Economic depression caused by war leads to rioting at home among the disenfranchised workers. Government responses to internal upheavals include banning trade unions, censoring the press, and rounding up subversives. An attempt to abolish slavery across the empire fails. Canada is divided into an upper English half, and lower French half to maintain loyalty in this age of revolution.
1800's
The Agricultural Revolution was a period of technological improvement and increased crop productivity that occurred during the 18th and early 19th centuries in Europe.
The major events which include:
· The perfection of the horse-drawn seed press, which would make farming less labour intensive and more productive.
· The large-scale growth of new crops, such as potato and maize, by 1750.
· The passing of the Enclosure Laws, limiting the common land available to small farmers in 1760.
TheEnclosure Acts, passed in Great Britain, allowed wealthy lords to purchase public fields and push out small-scale farmers, causing a migration of men looking for wage labour in cities. These workers would provide the labour for new industries during theIndustrial Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution is in full swing, and since mechanization became reality over the last 25 years, labour practises make life hellish for common people. This is especially true for women and children, who are the cheapest workers. There are few labour laws affecting wages, working hours or conditions in ways which would benefit the workers, and labour unions are still not allowed by law. The best that pauper children can expect is a 12-hour work day in a northern mill or factory, leaving behind the protection of their impoverished parents.
Trade with Europe is prohibited by the wars with France's self-proclaimed Emperor Napoleon and his "Continental System", leaving a large market unreachable - except through the growth of smuggling.
Technically, the nation becomes the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland as greater government control was desired there.
A rise in birthrate increases population faster than European countries. Common lands are fenced off and more are living on smaller plots. Emigration begins a steady climb as people seek escape from the changing industrial landscape.
Some high points for the decade – slave trade is ended, and a steam locomotive appears at a London "steam circus" for the first time.
1810's
Economic depression comes on the heels of two foreign wars.
- The Napoleonic wars end with final British victory over France;
- the War of 1812 with the United States is basically a draw.
Soldiers return to find Luddites vandalizing factories, protests rising over working conditions, low wages, and the high price of food, thousands of pauper children run the streets of London with 15% of people considered indigent, and they realize a new description for the obvious disparities - class struggle.
This period is sometimes called the Regency, as ailing King George III was too ill to govern, and George IV became regent. Even George IV as prince regent is stoned by an angry mob demanding improved parliamentary representation and a greater right to vote - one not tied to wealth or land.
Two more victories for steam are had - an "iron horse" shows the success of rail-locomotives and leads to the growth of rail-ways, and the first steam ship crosses the Atlantic in 26 days. Conventional sailing ships took at least 60 days.
Great Britain 1820's
Food prices remain high due to "corn laws" designed to benefit landlord growers. The right to strike is granted and worker's unions are allowed. Other legal reforms include the reduction in crimes assigned the penalty of death, and the creation of police forces.
Outstanding issues remain, including a solution for Irish unrest, Catholic emancipation, Elections and parliamentary reforms.
http://www.sneydobone.com/webtree/history-gb.htm