12.3 The Rise of Great Britain as a Global Power

Britain's rise as a global power in the 18th century was fueled by political unity and naval dominance. The 1707 Act of Union created Great Britain, while the Royal Navy's expansion allowed it to protect trade routes and project power worldwide.

Economic policies and colonial expansion further boosted British power. The East India Company gained control in India, while mercantilist policies and restrictive trade laws ensured colonies provided raw materials and markets for British goods, cementing Britain's global influence.

Political Union and Military Power

Unification of England and Scotland

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• Act of Union 1707 unified England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain
• Single parliament established in London, ending Scottish parliament
• Unified British flag (Union Jack) adopted, combining English and Scottish flags
• Unified currency and taxation system implemented across Great Britain

Growth of British Naval Supremacy

• Royal Navy expanded and modernized during the 18th century
• Became the world's most powerful navy, surpassing the Dutch and French
• Allowed Britain to protect its trade routes and colonial possessions
• Enabled Britain to project power globally and establish naval dominance

Effective Political Leadership

• William Pitt the Elder served as Prime Minister during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763)
• Pitt's strategic vision and leadership contributed to British victories
• Reorganized the British military and formed key alliances with Prussia and other European powers
• Pitt's policies helped establish Britain as a major global power

Successful Military Campaigns

• Seven Years' War was a global conflict between Britain and France (and their respective allies)
• British victories in North America (French and Indian War) led to the conquest of French Canada
• British victories in India against the French East India Company expanded British control in the subcontinent
• Treaty of Paris (1763) ended the war, with Britain gaining significant territories in North America and India

Economic Policies and Colonial Expansion

Establishment of Trading Companies

• British East India Company founded in 1600 to trade with the East Indies (Southeast Asia)
• Company gained control over large parts of India through military conquests and political alliances
• Acted as a quasi-governmental entity, administering territories and collecting taxes
• Other trading companies (Royal African Company) established to manage trade in other regions

Expansion of Colonial Territories

• Colonial expansion in North America (Thirteen Colonies), the Caribbean (Jamaica, Barbados), and India
• Colonies provided raw materials (cotton, sugar, tobacco) and markets for British manufactured goods
• Slave trade from West Africa to the Americas became a significant source of wealth for British merchants
• Colonization of Australia and New Zealand began in the late 18th century

Mercantilist Economic Policies

• Mercantilism aimed to increase a country's wealth through a positive balance of trade
• Colonies viewed as sources of raw materials and markets for finished goods
• British government implemented policies to protect its trade and industries
• Subsidies and tariffs used to support British manufacturers and discourage foreign competition

Restrictive Trade Laws

• Navigation Acts (1651-1663) required colonial trade to be conducted through British ships and ports
• Acts aimed to eliminate Dutch competition and maintain British control over colonial trade
• Colonies required to sell certain goods (tobacco, sugar) only to Britain
• Manufactured goods from Europe had to pass through Britain before being exported to the colonies