Turning points in British or American history

Should I speak about this topic, I’d chose the British history. The first inhabitants of British Isles were the Iberians around 3000 BC and they were followed by the Celtic tribes. Then the Romans invaded the country and stayed there until the 5^th century when the Anglo-Saxons from Northern Europe pushed them out.

During the period from 5^th to 11^th Britain was invaded many times by their continental neighbours- Germanic peoples. The true British people were driven to the west and survive today as Celts in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Cornwall.

I will continue with Middle Age, which is from 12^th to 15^th century. In 1215, King John of England signed the Magna Carta which outlined, for the first time, the rights of ordinary people. War with France – The Hundred Years War, which ended in 1453 – started as dynastic struggle between Edward III of England and Philip VI of France. But the rise of the English bowmen gave England military superiority over all opponents, especially the French.

There was the family line Tudors in 16^th century, which represents Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. This period brought political intrigues and conflicts surrounding religion and state. Henry’s reign was turbulent and he established the Church of England. His daughter, Elizabeth I, stabilised the country and encouraged the Age of Discovery.

With the 17^th century came a breakdown between the people and the King. Civil War in England (during 1642-1660) marked the end of the King’s real power and the rise of parliament. In the scientific world, the young Isaac Newton discovered the gravity.

The 18^th and 19^th century is in the symbol of Empire and Sea Power. England, being an island, developed a fantastically efficient navy that sailed the world protecting all their merchant ships. The Great Exhibition in 1851 was an outstanding example of the influence and the fortune derived from the colonies of which Britain was proud.

Finally, I will say something about the Modern Age – the 20^th century. After World War II, Britain looked forward to peace and prosperity under the rule of the young queen Elizabeth II. British influence on the world stage declined with the loss of its colonies and the rise of two world powers: the USA and the USSR. Britain remains and important player in financial and commercial world markets.

Structure:

• The first inhabitants – Iberians, Celtic, Romans, Anglo- Saxons
• 5^th -10^th century – invasion of Germanic people
• Middle Age – Magna Carta, The Hundred Years War
• Tudors in 16^th century – Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Church of England
• 17^th century – Civil War, Newton
• 18^th and 19^th century – navy, colonies
• Modern Age – 20^th century, WWII, Elizabeth II