The ENTIRE History of The United Kingdom | History Documentary

The Roman Conquest The Romans first considered Britain a myth, but Julius Caesar's expedition in 55 BC marked the beginning of their interest. The Romans found glory under Emperor Claudius and established control over the land, using Stonehenge for worship and rituals.

Prehistoric Paleolithic Period Britain's prehistoric period dates back to 950,000 years ago with evidence of ancient civilization. The earliest settlers were hunter-gatherers who traded native elk, wild cattle, and pigs while defending themselves from wolves and bears. They relied heavily on hunting and scavenging for survival.

Transition to Neolithic Era Around 4100 BC saw a transition from hunting-gathering to agricultural techniques brought from the East. This led to population growth as well as changes in landscape with mass flint tools used for clearing land. Settlements evolved into long houses while arrowheads changed shape due to social influences.

The arrival of metal and Beaker style pots marked the beginning of the Bronze Age in Britain around 2200 BC. The scarcity of bronze alloy and tin meant they were reserved for tools and jewelry, leading to more elaborate designs like daggers, halberds, axes, and swords. Boundaries around land started appearing with livestock pens becoming important. Copper mines provided jobs for inhabitants.

The Iron Age began around 1200 BC in the Middle East and southeast Europe, leading to extensive iron and steel crafting. This era accelerated civilization growth, established resilient settlements, improved tool creation, weaponry development, agricultural advancements, art evolution, religious beliefs emergence.

Roman Invasion of Britain The Roman Empire took control of most of Britain, which was previously dominated by Iron Age settlements. Julius Caesar's failed attempts to take over the island led to Emperor Claudius successfully invading in 43 A.D., leading to the establishment of Roman kingdoms and cities like Londinium (London). The Britons resisted but eventually gave in to Roman culture, resulting in increased trade networks and affluence.

Challenges Faced by Romans in Britain After initial resistance from Celtic tribes and revolts led by Boudica, the Romans implemented their culture through infrastructure development such as roads, amphitheaters, baths, and Latin education. However, they faced attacks from various enemies including Scots from Ireland and Saxons from Germany. Despite successful rebellions at times, Rome recaptured British territories until Christianity emerged on the continent signaling the slow loss of control for the Romans.

The Arrival of the Vikings In 793, Norse people from Scandinavia reached Britain and began plundering coastal settlements. The great Heathen Army arrived in East Anglia and captured York by 870, successfully taking over all kingdoms except Wessex. Alfred the Great claimed victory at the Battle of Eddington in 878.

Viking Influence and Defeat Viking customs took full effect in territories they owned, including London which became known as Dane law. Many words we use today came from Old Norse language. After years of conflict, Lady Aethelflaed defeated Viking rule in Mercia by 954, ending the era of Dane law.

Medieval Britain: The Early Middle Ages The period of Medieval Britain, spanning over a thousand years, saw the rule of Vikings and Anglo-Saxons who made advancements in settlements and agriculture. The Normans invaded England under William the Conqueror's reign, bringing stone architecture and implementing a feudal system that stripped landowners of their heritage.

Norman Rule and Social Changes William the Conqueror established Norman castles in Wales, introduced stone architecture to England, implemented a feudal system that favored loyalists while stripping Anglo-Saxon landowners of their wealth. Feudalism led to significant social changes with class systems affecting peasants' lives.

Challenges During Late Middle Ages The late Middle Ages brought about huge social changes through rebellion against the feudal system. It also witnessed conflicts such as 'the Anarchy,' where people suffered oppression during civil war. King John's tyrannical rule led to widespread mistreatment until Henry VII united Lancaster and York houses ushering in Tudor period.

The Tudors: Shaping England After defeating Richard III's army, Henry VII began a 118-year reign for the Tudors, reshaping religion, politics, and monarchy. His marriage to Elizabeth united influential families and led to economic changes.

Tudor Era Society and Culture Agriculture dominated pre-Tudor life but trade grew during the era. Laws against beggars were abolished in 1530 but reinstated with harsher punishments later on. Education favored boys initially; girls' education was limited until local schools were established.

The Gunpowder Plot and Civil War After the death of Elizabeth I, James VI became King. He refused to support the Catholic religion, leading to a plot to blow up Parliament in 1605. Charles I's rule led to civil war and his eventual execution in 1649.

Cromwell's Rule and Scientific Discoveries Oliver Cromwell ruled England with religious tolerance but faced opposition after his death. The reign of Charles II saw scientific discoveries like matches, as well as disasters such as the Great Plague and Fire of London.

Everyday Life in Stuart Britain Most common people were poor during this era, facing issues like vagrancy and poverty-related illnesses. Jobs included merchants, shoemakers, blacksmiths; women had limited freedom based on social status; global trade introduced new foods into British culture.

The Industrial Revolution in Georgian Britain Georgian era saw the rise of the Industrial Revolution, leading to large-scale manufacturing and technological advancements. The introduction of steam power, water wheels, and state-of-the-art technologies transformed agriculture and industry. This led to mass unemployment in rural areas as workers relocated to towns for employment opportunities.

Innovations in Textile Manufacturing Breakthroughs like Richard Arkwright's water frame and James Hargreaves's spinning jenny revolutionized textile production, making cheap clothing available on a large scale. Steam-powered industries evolved rapidly with factories employing thousands of workers including children for intricate tasks such as making buckles and buttons.

Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice System 'Highwaymen' became celebrities preying on carriages while public fascination with criminals grew. Early law enforcement relied on constables elected by communities but later professional forces were established under Henry Fielding's Bow Street Runners.' Bloody Code' listed 200 crimes punishable by execution or imprisonment; trials were conducted hastily often resulting in wrongful convictions.

Victorian Britain: Industrial Revolution and Social Changes The Victorian era saw exponential growth, urbanization, and a population boom due to the Industrial Revolution. Migration increased as people sought work opportunities in industrial cities. Legislation was passed to protect workers, improve education for children, and reform prisons. The middle class rose in society through entrepreneurship while working-class suffrage expanded.

Mining Conditions and Innovations Coal mining thrived with steam power but conditions were harsh for workers including children who faced dangerous labor practices such as being paid with tokens instead of money. Safety improvements like ventilation techniques were introduced but mining remained a dangerous job until the 1900s.

The Modern Age and World War I In 1914, the first World War ushered in the Modern Age with a focus on weaponry development and strategic warfare. The war led to unprecedented levels of death, affecting industries and agriculture as women took on new roles. Britain's efforts at home were crucial for victory.

Post-World War II Era After World War II, Britain saw political shifts with the establishment of National Insurance and NHS by the Labour Party. Industrial sectors were nationalized for worker safety, leading to economic recovery despite Cold War tensions.

Challenges and Changes in Recent History From immigration increases to class division ending, Britain underwent significant changes from 1950 to 2000 including joining a union with Europe. Economic challenges arose due to defense spending while cultural liberation emerged alongside conflicts in Northern Ireland.