British History - Mind map

The English Reformation: Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England after the Pope refused to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

The Dissolution of the Monasteries: Henry VIII's closure and destruction of monasteries across England to seize their wealth and property.

His Marriages: Henry’s six marriages and the political and religious consequences of each.

Religious Reforms: The establishment of Protestantism as the official religion of England and the development of the Book of Common Prayer.

The Regency and Power Struggles: The role of the regency during Edward’s minority and the power struggles involving figures like the Duke of Somerset and the Duke of Northumberland.

Restoration of Catholicism: Mary’s attempt to return England to Roman Catholicism, including the burning of Protestants at the stake during the Marian Persecutions.

Marriage to Philip II of Spain: The political and religious ramifications of her marriage to the Spanish king, which was unpopular with many English subjects.

The Elizabethan Religious Settlement: The establishment of the Anglican Church and the Elizabethan Religious Settlement which defined English Protestantism.

The Spanish Armada (1588): The failed invasion of England by the Spanish fleet, a turning point in the Anglo-Spanish War.

The Golden Age of English Culture: The flourishing of English literature, including the works of William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund Spenser.

The Elizabethan Expansion: The exploration of the New World, including voyages by Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh.

Union of the Crowns: James I's ascension to the English throne after the death of Elizabeth I and the unification of the English and Scottish crowns.

The King James Bible: The commissioning of a new translation of the Bible, which became the most widely used version in the English-speaking world.

Tensions with Parliament: Early struggles between James and Parliament over royal prerogative and financial control.

The English Civil War: The conflict between the monarchy and Parliament over issues such as taxes, royal prerogative, and religious reforms.

The Execution of Charles I: The trial and execution of Charles I after his defeat by Parliamentary forces in 1649, marking a significant turning point in English history.

Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth: The rise of the Puritans and the establishment of a republic under Cromwell’s leadership, ending the monarchy.

The Protectorate: Cromwell's rule as Lord Protector and the challenges of governing without a monarchy.

The Restoration: The return of the monarchy after the death of Oliver Cromwell and the collapse of the Commonwealth.

The Great Fire of London (1666): The catastrophic fire that destroyed much of London, leading to major urban reforms.

The Glorious Revolution: The peaceful overthrow of James II by his daughter Mary II and her husband William of Orange, leading to the establishment of constitutional monarchy.

Paleolithic Period: Early human settlements and tools. The evidence of the first human presence in Britain, such as at Boxgrove and Clacton-on-Sea. Key archaeological sites like Stonehenge and Avebury.

Mesolithic Period: The development of a more complex society. Evidence of hunting, fishing, and the beginnings of agriculture.

Neolithic Period: The rise of farming and the construction of monumental structures like Stonehenge. The arrival of pottery and the domestication of animals.

Bronze Age: The introduction of metalworking, trade networks, and the construction of hill forts. Evidence of long-distance trade, such as amber and metals from Europe.

Iron Age: The spread of iron tools and the establishment of Celtic tribes. The development of complex tribal systems and the rise of the first urban centers.

Roman Conquest of Britain in 43 CE under Emperor Claudius. Key battles like the Battle of Medway. Romanization of Britain through roads, fortifications, and cities like Londinium (London).

Hadrian's Wall: Construction of Hadrian's Wall as a defensive structure marking the northern boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain.

Roman Influence: The impact of Roman architecture, urban planning, and public amenities like baths, amphitheaters, and forums. Romanization of the Celtic tribes and the development of a provincial society.

Decline and Fall: The gradual withdrawal of Roman forces by the early 5th century due to the weakening of the Roman Empire, leading to the end of Roman Britain.

Arrival of the Anglo-Saxons: Following the withdrawal of the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, settled in Britain.

King Arthur and the Dark Ages: Legendary and historical aspects of King Arthur, as a symbol of resistance against the Saxon invasions.

Establishment of Kingdoms: Formation of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms such as Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia. Key rulers like Alfred the Great of Wessex.

Christianization: The conversion of the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, starting with St. Augustine’s mission to Kent in 597.

Viking Invasions: The first Viking raids in the late 8th century and the eventual establishment of the Danelaw in the 9th century. The conflict between Anglo-Saxons and Vikings.

The Great Heathen Army: The large-scale Viking invasions in the 9th century, particularly in 865, leading to significant territory gains by the Vikings.

The Sack of Lindisfarne (793): The Viking raid on Lindisfarne monastery, marking the beginning of the Viking Age in Britain.

Danelaw: The territory under Viking control in England, centered in the north and east. The establishment of Viking kingdoms and the assimilation of Norse culture.

Alfred the Great's Resistance: Alfred’s role in defending Wessex against Viking invasions, and the establishment of a system of fortified towns known as burhs.

Henry II and the Angevin Empire: Henry’s extensive lands in France and his role in the development of English common law.

Thomas Becket’s Murder: The conflict between Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket, resulting in Becket’s martyrdom and his eventual canonization.

Causes of the War: Territorial disputes between England and France, particularly over control of French lands held by English kings.

Major Battles: Key battles such as the Battle of Agincourt, the Battle of Crecy, and the siege of Orleans, where Joan of Arc played a pivotal role.

The Treaty of Picquigny and the end of the war: Resolution of the conflict through diplomatic means, and England's gradual loss of its French territories.

The Battle for the English Crown: The struggle for the throne between the House of Lancaster and the House of York.

Key Figures: Richard III, Henry VII, and the impact of the defeat of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth.

The Establishment of the Tudor Dynasty: Henry VII’s ascension to the throne, marking the end of the Wars of the Roses.