Historical

King George V

George Frederick Ernest Albert became king in 1911.

The British nation had a lot of respect for the King, as he led them through World War I. He visited the front line in France on several occasions which boosted morale for the soldiers and those at home.

In 1931, the country was undergoing a financial crisis, because of the collapse of the pound. He cleverly encouraged the Conservatives and Liberal ministers to form a coalition government to secure and strengthen the government.

King George VI

His reign was during a tumultuous time for England.

He succeeded the throne in 1936, in place of his brother.

The British Empire was transitioning into the Commonwealth Nations.

During the war years, he gave morale-boosting speeches.

Although Britain was victorious at the end on 1945, their status declined and the US rose as a dominant world power.

Miners Strike

During the Industrial Revolution, there was an increasing demand for coal to fuel the machines.

Through the Twentieth Century, unions were established and became powerful.

The National Coal Strike in 1912, resulted in a million workers protesting for 37 days.

They implored the government to secure the minimum wage.

The government responded and passed a new law for minimum wage for all workers nationwide.

Titanic

Construction on the Titanic began in March 1909 and was to be the biggest of three liners.

It was regarded as a marvel in industrial voyage, because of its size, speed and luxury.

The maiden voyage was to sail from Southampton, England to New York, America in 1912 and the Captain was Edward Smith.

On the 14th of April, the ship struck an iceberg at 11.41pm and it punctured a series of holes in the liner.

Within less than three hours, the Titanic sank nearly two and a half miles down to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

This tragedy resulted in the death of more than 1,500 lives.

What tragedy was experienced in 1912?

Your answer should include: Titanic / Sank / Sinking

World War I

This Great War was credited with being the ‘war to end all wars’.

Europe was divided. In August 1914, Belgium was invaded by Germany and Britain backed Belgium in response.

Most people thought that the war wouldn’t last long and were quick to enlist and support their allies.

Unfortunately, the war lasted a long and gruelling four years.

Over five million British soldiers experienced life in the trenches and would often spend time on the Front line too.

The advancement in weaponry made this war different to the smaller wars of the past. Weapons on land and sea were large and powerful; causing devastation to the people and the land.

What was the first name of both of the kings during the war?

George

The General Strike

In 1926, Trade Unions protested against a dispute that aimed for longer work days for less pay.

Bosses wanted to decrease wages by 13% and increase shifts to eight hours.

Other industries such as transport, building, printing, gas, electricity, and chemical workers, supported miners by staying off work.

It is estimated that 1.7 million were on strike on May 4th.

Fights erupted all over the nation between the police and protesters.

The Great Depression

The whole world experienced a devastating financial crisis, beginning in 1929 through to World War II.

The Wall Street Market crash is said to be the biggest contributor to the Great Depression, which resulted in many investors losing their finances.

Consumerism declined, unemployment increased to approximately 1 in four people and crime rates soared.

During this time, people did not have sufficient food, clothing, housing and medical care.

World War II

In 1939, Hitler invaded Poland which resulted in Britain and France responding too.

Two days later, war was declared between the enemies and the allies. Winston Churchill led the nation through the war.

In 1940, Britain managed to force Hitler to postpone his invasion plans.

America became involved, when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor.

In 1945, retaliation came when atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Concentration Camps were set up in different areas in which there were mass murders of religious groups and people that Hitler did not like.

Hitler and his wife committed suicide on May 7th 1945.

What happened to Britain's power after WWII?

Your answer should include: Declined / Decline