The military history of the United Kingdom covers the period from the creation of the united Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707, with the political union of England and Scotland, to the present day.
From the 18th century, with the expansion of the British Empire and the country's industrial strength, Britain's military force became one of the largest and most powerful in the world, particularly its navy, with advanced technology and bases across the world. It declined during the 20th century in the wake of two world wars, decolonisation and the rise of the United States and the USSR as the new superpowers. Britain has been involved in a great many armed conflicts since the union in 1707, the majority alongside allies, on all continents except for Antarctica. Today it still remains a major power with frequent military interventions across the globe since the end of the Cold War in 1990. During its history British forces or forces with a British mandate have invaded at some point of time all but 22 of world's countries, or nine out of ten of all countries.
The British Armed Forces encompass the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force.
Read more about Military History Of The United Kingdom: 18th Century, 19th Century, 20th Century, 21st Century, List of Civil Wars, Further Reading
Famous quotes containing the words military, history, united and/or kingdom:
“[I]t is a civil Cowardice to be backward in asserting what you ought to expect, as it is a military Fear to be slow in attacking when it is your Duty.”
—Richard Steele (1672–1729)
“It’s nice to be a part of history but people should get it right. I may not be perfect, but I’m bloody close.”
—John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten)
“Emblem: the carapace of the great crowned snail is painted with all the flags of the United Nations.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”
—Bible: New Testament, Mark 10:14.
Jesus.