Britain's Empire at the end of the 'long eighteenth century'

History

In this unit pupils learnt about the reasons for Britain's imperial expansion. In 'The East India Company: when did Mughal authority collapse?' pupils return their focus to India to look at how the themes they examined in overview played out in one particular part of the growing British Empire.

In 'The Mughal Empire: how important was violence to the Mughal conquests in India?' pupils were prepared for later study of how the East India Company rose to prominence in the region. In this unit pupils scale switch to learn about the rise of the British Empire so that their return to looking at affairs in India is placed in context.

In this unit pupils develop overview knowledge of why the British Empire grew in the 17th and 18th centuries. They learn about the state of Britain's empire at the beginning and end of the 'long eighteenth century' before analysing differing historians' arguments about why it grew.

The British Empire: why did it grow in the 17th and 18th centuries?

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Historic or outdated representations of people that may portray inequality or injustice.

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which significant event in 1707 contributed to the unification of the United Kingdom, aiding in its global expansion?

By 1815, which commodity had become the single largest import into Britain, significantly influencing British culture and consumption habits?

The {{ }} Revolution was a period of rapid industrial growth that transformed Britain’s economy and contributed to its rise as a global empire.

Which British company played a major role in expanding British control in India after the collapse of the Mughal Empire?

Britain’s victory in the {{ }} War, considered the first global conflict, solidified its position as the dominant world power by 1763.

Which technological innovation helped improve navigation for the Royal Navy, contributing to Britain's naval superiority?

Which event in 1688 marked a significant turning point in British history, leading to political stability that allowed for empire expansion?

Religious freedom and economic opportunity

What was the primary motivation for many people emigrating from England to the American colonies before the end of the 17th century?

By 1688, England had established a colony in {{ }} based on the cultivation of tobacco, which became highly profitable.

Which private company was granted a monopoly on trade with India by Queen Elizabeth I?

The first English colony in the Caribbean, established by privateers and later supported by the English monarchy, was in...

Which law (or set of laws) passed by the English government was designed to control colonial trade and ensure that economic benefits flowed back to England?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz