Industrialization and the British Empire
Magna Carta
"Great Charter" established basic rights for English nobles against their king; established that kings did not have unlimited power but had to consult the nobles before imposing taxes and gave the right of a trial for the King's lords.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
A kingdom of Northwest Europe, consisting chiefly of the island of Great Britain together with Northern Ireland: became the world's leading colonial power in the 18th century; the first country to undergo the Industrial Revolution.
empire
A large territory in which several groups of people are ruled by a single leader or government.
Industrial Revolution
A period of time during the 18th Century when making things by hand was replaced by making things by machines in factories. During this time Britain led the way in the mass production of weapons, clothes, furniture, shoes, and other items.
Imperialism
A policy in which a strong nation seeks to dominate other countries politically, economically, or socially.
Feudalism
A political, economic and social system that existed in Europe during Medieval Times (Middle Ages-9th to 15th Centuries). In this system 75% of the population lived in the countryside. Life was governed by the relationship of Lord and Vassal. The King provided land to his lords and the lords provided armies to the King. The lords also provided protection to serfs in exchange for their work on the Manor. There were few towns and cities where Merchants and Crafts worked in Guilds and owed loyalty to the King.
Mercantilism
An economic practice adopted by the European colonial powers (Portugal, Spain, England, France, the Netherlands) to exploit their overseas possessions (colonies) so that the "mother country" could become more wealthy
Columbian Exchange
An exchange of goods, ideas and skills from the Old World (Europe, Asia and Africa) to the New World (North and South America) and vice-versa.
Merchant Guilds
Guilds controlled the trade in a town. Merchant guilds regulated prices, quality, weights and measures, and business practices. The power of the guilds was absolute in their domain, and to be expelled from a guild made it impossible to earn a living. Each guild had a patron saint, celebrated religious festivals together, put on religious plays, and looked after the health and welfare of the members and their families.
Capital
Money and wealth which is accumulated and invested in privately owned businesses. During the 17th Century pirates like Sir Francis Drake raided and robbed Spanish ships for their treasure of Silver Spanish Pieces of 8 (the international money used at that time) to invest in British banks and factories.
Queen Elizabeth II
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born on April 21, 1926, in London. She became queen on February 6, 1952, and was crowned on June 2, 1953. Although she has very limited power, she is considered Head of State and a unifying symbol of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Craft Guilds
Separate from the merchant guilds were the craft guilds, which regulated the quality, working hours and conditions of its members. There were three levels of craftsmen; masters, journeymen, and apprentices. Parents paid a fee to place a boy with a master craftsman as an apprentice. There he received food, lodging (often sleeping under the counter in the shop itself), clothes, and instruction in the craft. The Craft Guilds were responsible for producing everything needed in society. Bakers, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, tailors, carriage makers, weavers, shoemakers, furniture makers, butchers and other producers each had their own craft guilds.
Union Jack
The flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Combines the Cross of St. George from England, the Cross of St. Andrew from Scotland and the Cross of St. Patrick from Ireland.
geography
The study of the earth which includes the land, soil, elevation, climate, plant and animal life. Can determine how a group of people live.
