How Britain gained an empire - religion and ideasThe emergence of English identity

Protestant Christianity and the ideas of English liberty secured in 1688 contributed to Britain’s global power by 1760. Britain continued to develop ideas of her superiority into the 19th century.

Part ofHistoryBritain: migration, empires and the people c790 to the present day

The emergence of English identity

Conquered and conquerors

In this era, the ideas of the English people didn’t extend beyond those of the church or the importance of politics. The emergence of English identity was important, especially during the Hundred Years’ War, which gradually became more about two competing peoples than simply about the struggles of powerful families from either side of the English Channel.