Changes

Gradually the power of the monarchy in England was reduced to that of figurehead, which is all it is today.  Parliament increased in power, and much of that power went to the elected lower house (the House of Commons) rather than the upper, unelected House of Lords.

Gradually the power of the monarchy in England was reduced to that of figurehead, which is all it is today.  Parliament increased in power, and much of that power went to the elected lower house (the House of Commons) rather than the upper, unelected House of Lords.

Democracy came much later to other European countries.  The great potato famine of the 1840s killed many in Ireland and caused many more to immigrate to the United States.  But Ireland was ruled by Britain then, and would not obtain home rule until World War II.  Many in Ireland and many Americans of Irish descent blame British leaders for allowing that horrific potato famine to happen, and without home rule there was little the Irish people could do to stop it.

Democracy came much later to other European countries.  The great potato famine of the 1840s killed many in Ireland and caused many more to immigrate to the United States.  But Ireland was ruled by Britain then, and would not obtain home rule until 1922.  Many in Ireland and many Americans of Irish descent blame British leaders for allowing that horrific potato famine to happen, and without home rule there was little the Irish people could do to stop it.

Self-rule did not come to the Dominion of Canada until 1867, and even then it remained within the British empire.  Australia, which was settled by prisoners from England, did not obtain self-rule until the 1850s and it remained within the British legal system until the late 20th century.  New Zealand also won self-rule in the 1850s.  In France its Third Republic ruled from 1875 until the 1930s.

Canada achieved effective independence (as a Dominion within the British Empire)in 1867, and even then it remained within the British empire (Newfoundland remained a British territory and did not join Canada until 1949).  Australia, which was settled by prisoners from England, did not obtain self-rule for its separate colonies until the 1850s; it obtained independence as a united Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.  New Zealand also won self-rule in the 1850s and Dominion status (effective independence) in 1907.  In France its Third Republic ruled from 1875 until the German Occupation in 1940.

=== Technology and Science ===

=== Technology and Science ===