British history: 18th century → today By facebooker_1664179746 Jan 1, 1782 James Watt invents the first steam engine Jan 1, 1783 After a war, Britain loses the southern half of its North American colonies Jan 1, 1800 The united kingdom of great britain and Ireland is formed Jan 1, 1805 A British fleet defeats Napoleons French fleet at the "battle of Trafalgar" Aug 19, 1868 The TUC (trade union congress) is formed Period: Jul 28, 1914 to Nov 11, 1918 WW I Period: Sep 1, 1939 to Sep 2, 1945 Britain declares war on Germany (World war II) Aug 19, 1953 Coronation of Elizabeth the second Jul 9, 2005 Terror attack in London Jul 27, 2012 Olympic games in London
