Theme Period The story of the Union 1536 - 1999

The challenge

A class of young people from America are learning about the history of the United Kingdom.

Write a short article identifying the key dates and events that led to the union of the four nations of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Things to consider

• What are the key dates and to which country do they relate to?

• Who are the key people in your article?

• What changes were made in each nation as a result of the new laws?

Use the timeline to help you find the facts...

Scroll through the timeline to identify the dates and events listed below. Read the event articles to help you answer the following questions.

Event: England and Wales unite 1536-43

• Which king united Wales with England? • What changes were made in Wales as a consequence of the 1536 Act of Union?

Event: England and Scotland unite 1707

• How many Scottish Lords and MPs joined Parliament in London after the 1707 Act of Union? • How was the building changed to accommodate the larger numbers? • Who was queen at this time?

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www.parliament.uk/education page 1 of 2

Event: Ireland joins the Union 1801

• How many Irish Lords and MPs joined Parliament in London after the 1801 Act of Union? • How was the building changed after Ireland’s politicians joined Parliament?

Event: Independence for Southern Ireland 1921

• What was the Anglo-Irish Treaty? • How did the Treaty change Ireland? • How did the Treaty change the union between Ireland and the United Kingdom?

Event: Devolution 1999

• Why is 1999 an important date in the history of the Union? • How does devolution change the ways that laws are made in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

www.parliament.uk/education page 2 of 2