Britain Rising to Power

Kelly Krolicki

In this paper I seek to assess Britains rising to power. The beginning of the eighteenth
century, also known as the Enlightenment Era was a time of great success and prosperity for
Britain. The Enlightenment was a sprawling intellectual, philosophical, cultural, and social
movement that spread through England, France, Germany, and other parts of Europe. When
looking at the big picture, it is evident that the Enlightenment was a crucial step in the
modernization of Europe. I argue that Britain rose to become the most powerful nation in the
world during the Enlightenment Era. Britains ideal location put them in a position to control
trade during the Renaissance, forming the foundation for their famous rise to power. Not only did
Britain rise to power, but they used that power for the good of themselves and the good of those
around them. I will prove this by explaining the advantages of the location of Britain, their
success in war, and the advancement they got from their cabinet system.
First, I will discuss the benefits of the location of Britain. Their ideal location in Europe
allowed English merchants to send ships across the worlds oceans and plant outposts in the West
Indies and North America. England followed Mercantilistic policies but had fewer restrictions on
trade than France. Mercantilism is the economic theory that trade generates wealth and is
stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances. People who believe in Mercantilism
believe that they must export more than they import and have increasing stores of gold and
precious metals. Scotland, Britains neighbor, had a lot to offer to Britain. According to
parliament.uk, The Acts of Union, passed by the English and Scottish Parliaments in 1707, led
to the creation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain on 1 May of that year. The UK Parliament

met for the first time in October 1707. The union of these countries brought economic
advantages to both lands. They had free trade with each other which would eventually bring a
larger market for farmers and manufacturers. Overall, Britains was able to use their location to
their advantage and benefit themselves economically.
Next, I will examine the British success in war and how it put them in a position of
power. During this time period, Britain was generally on the winning side of wars and conflicts.
Although they were usually on the winning end, they did not have a large standing army like the
rest of Europe at the time. With hard work and labor they were able to build up their fleet and by
1763 able to create a very powerful navy. Britain, now having a stronger navy than France, was
able to protect their growing empire and trade. According to quora.com , Before the advent of
aircraft, most of the colonies were accessible safely only by sea routes. The British Navy was
among the largest and most advanced of the navies during the Age of Discovery and it helped
them establish good connectivity with trading stations and forts in their colonies. Being
successful on the battlefield was top priority for most people during this time period. The
determination and persistence of Britain helped them end up on top in the end. To these people
winning meant power, and being successful in war not only earned them respect but also opened
many doors with new opportunities for the country as a whole.
Finally, I will recognize the success that was brought to Britain from their cabinet system.
The British government at this time was not a democracy or a monarchy, it was considered an
oligarchy. An oligarchy is a form of government in which the ruling belongs to few people. The
Cabinet System was a new addition to the British government that came about in the 1700s. The
Cabinet System originated when George I was in power, he spoke very broken english and relied

on the members of parliament to help him rule and make decisions. According to history.com,
Since the reign of King George I the Cabinet has been the principal executive group of British
government. Both he and George II made use of the system, as both were non-native English
speakers, unfamiliar with British politics, and thus relied heavily on selected groups of advisers.
The head of the cabinet system would be the Prime Minister and they would meet in a small
room or cabinet. This Cabinet system would contribute to Britains rising to power because it
allowed the government to be more organized. The laws that were being passed were going
through many respected members of the cabinet rather than just one person alone, making the
system more promising.
Overall, Britain contributed things to the Enlightenment Era that no other country could
have. Britain as a country was determined and it was because of that determination that they
were able to accomplish great things and impact good people. Barrack Obama once said, The
best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Dont wait for good things to happen
to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you
will fill yourself with hope. The people of the Enlightenment were doing exactly this. John
Locke, Montesquieu, Voltaire, Mary Wellstonecraft, they are all living examples of going out and
making things happen. These people didn't all believe in the same things, but it was okay. They
were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in and they were not afraid to make a change.
They were making a difference in this new and exciting time in the world by expressing their
beliefs whether that be through literature or art, they we not afraid. They filled themselves with
hope and that hope is still admired today by people everywhere.