Politics, War, and Empire: The Rise of Britain to a World Power, 1688-1792 (European History)

Earl A. Reitan tells the fascinating story of the transformation of Britain between 1688 and 1792. The British Isles in 1688 were three struggling kingdoms: England-Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. For half a century they had been torn by political and religious dissension. During that period England had been of little consequence in the affairs of Europe, and in 1688 England's trade and colonies were modest.

By 1792 Britain was politically stable, loyalty to the monarchy and the constitution was strong, the competent Pitt ministry enjoyed widespread support, and there were no serious social stresses. England and Scotland had been united, and a political settlement had been reached with Ireland that satisfied Irish aspirations. The British navy dominated the seas. The French empire was gone, and the Spanish empire was moribund. In 1792 Britain was in fact the only true world power.