Rise of Great Britain - UK

Author: CCTV Program Group of "Rise of a Great Nation"
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Across the sea from the European continent, Britain achieved a decisive victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 and gradually stepped onto the world stage. During the transition from the Middle Ages to modern society, a strong monarchy became a key factor. Queen Elizabeth I's encouragement of maritime exploration and trade, her enlightened approach to governance, and her conciliatory methods in handling social conflicts enabled this peripheral island nation to achieve early glory. However, the subsequent King Charles I, convinced of the divine right of kings, defied the principle that monarchs must abide by the law, as established by the Magna Carta as early as the 13th century, and engaged in a four-year civil war with Parliament. After his defeat, Charles I was sentenced to death. Ultimately, Britain established a constitutional monarchy through the Glorious Revolution, completing its transformation into a modern society. A relatively tolerant social environment created conditions for Britain's economic development and prepared the ground for the Industrial Revolution. At the same time, it also gradually propelled this island nation toward the center of the world stage.