Kingdom of Great Britain

A Kingdom in Western Europe

The Kingdom of Great Britain was a sovereign state in Western Europe. It began in 1707 and lasted until the end of 1800. It was created by the Treaty of Union in 1706, and the Acts of Union 1707 made it official.

Joining Together

Two kingdoms became one. The Kingdom of England, which included Wales, and the Kingdom of Scotland came together. Together they covered the whole island of Great Britain and some nearby islands. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands were not part of it.

One parliament met at the Palace of Westminster to make laws for the whole kingdom. Each country still kept its own laws and its own church.

Queen Anne was the queen from 1702 to 1714. She was ruling when the two kingdoms joined together. Later, Robert Walpole became the first "prime minister."

Growing Around the World

Britain won the Seven Years' War, and this helped it become very strong across the world. In 1770, James Cook discovered the eastern coast of Australia. In 1787, Britain began settling New South Wales, when the First Fleet set off.

Britain also had close ties with the East India Company in the Indian subcontinent. The kings from the House of Hanover gave their name to the Georgian era.

A New Name

On 1 January 1801, Great Britain joined with Ireland. Together they became the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This is the country that grew out of the Kingdom of Great Britain.