Revision Notes: A Global Power

Politics

The Bill of Rights: In 1689, the Bill of Rights confirmed the rights of Parliament and limited the king’s power, establishing the foundation for a constitutional monarchy. 🔗
Creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain: In 1707, the Act of Union merged England and Scotland into Great Britain while keeping separate legal and religious institutions. 🔗
First Prime Minister: Due to George I’s reliance on ministers, the role of Prime Minister emerged, first officially held by Sir Robert Walpole. 🔗

Voting Reforms and Suffrage: Reforms increased voter eligibility, eventually leading to women gaining partial voting rights in 1918. 🔗
Abolition of the Slave Trade: The slave trade was abolished in 1807 due to abolitionist campaigns, leading to the 1833 Emancipation Act. 🔗
Famine and Nationalism in Ireland: The Irish famine, along with growing nationalist movements, contributed to social upheaval and emigration during the 19th century. 🔗

The Enlightenment: Prominent Scottish thinkers like Adam Smith and David Hume advanced ideas in economics and philosophy during the Enlightenment. 🔗
The Industrial Revolution: Britain’s economy shifted with the mechanisation and use of steam power, sparking increased production and urbanisation. 🔗
Free Trade and Economic Expansion: During the Victorian era, the repeal of the Corn Laws supported industrial growth and improved working conditions. 🔗
Migration and Refugees' Settlement: Between 1680 and 1720, many Huguenot refugees settled in Britain, contributing to cultural and economic growth. 🔗

Defeat of the Jacobite Rebellion: Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion in 1745 ended at the Battle of Culloden, diminishing clan power and leading to the Highland Clearances. 🔗
The American War of Independence: In 1776, 13 American colonies declared independence from Britain, leading to the American Revolution and eventual victory. 🔗
War with France and the Defeat of Napoleon: Britain fought several wars with France, culminating in the naval victory at Trafalgar (1805) and Napoleon’s defeat in 1815. 🔗
The Crimean War: This conflict introduced media coverage developments and military reforms, including Florence Nightingale’s medical care reforms. 🔗
Boer War: War in South Africa with settlers from the Netherlands called the Boers. Post-Boer War, discussions around the Empire's direction led to greater autonomy for colonies and eventual independence. 🔗

Expansion and Influence: The Victorian Age saw the British Empire reach its height, expanding into India, Australia, and large parts of Africa. 🔗
Reign of Queen Victoria: This era marked advancements in trade, industry, and social reforms. 🔗
Shifts Towards Autonomy: Post-Boer War, discussions around the Empire's direction led to greater autonomy for colonies and eventual independence. 🔗

What document confirmed the rights of Parliament over the monarchy in 1689?
a) Magna Carta
b) The Declaration of Independence
c) The Bill of Rights
d) The Act of Union
Who became the first official Prime Minister of Great Britain?
a) Winston Churchill
b) George I
c) Sir Robert Walpole
d) Benjamin Disraeli
Which event attempted to restore a Stuart king to the throne in 1745?
a) The Glorious Revolution
b) The Jacobite Rebellion
c) The American Revolution
d) The French Revolution
Who was a prominent Scottish economist during the Enlightenment?
a) David Hume
b) Robert Burns
c) Adam Smith
d) Sir Robert Walpole
What significant change took place during the Industrial Revolution?
a) Expansion of agriculture
b) Mechanisation and use of steam power
c) Disbanding of the British Army
d) Colonisation of South America

Answers: