Britain's Rise to Global Prominence

Kailey Grill
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In this paper, I will evaluate the factors that paved the way to Great Britain's successful
rise in power. The small island, England, on the edge of Europe was not always recognized for
its worldwide domination prior to the 1700's. Britain's newfound prominence is a result of
colonial and commercial empire advancements. Over the next century, the British empire
boomed. Previous world power houses, Spain and France, fell behind as Britain flourished. It
now dominated worldwide, both land and sea. I argue that Britain's geographic location, success
in war, and its union with Scotland were the three main contributions of the climb to global
prominence. I will prove my argument by assessing the effects of Britain's ideal island location,
superior navy, and unity with another European country.
First, I seek to discuss the significance of Britain's geographic location and trade control.
Britain was able to control trade during the renaissance period due to the ideal location of
England. Its central position allowed for Britain's trading industry to flourish. This brought upon
economic success to Britain and provided many benefits. English merchants were able to send
ships across the oceans of the world. This led to the creation of outposts in the West Indies,
North America, and India. These outpost settlements allowed Britain to grow a superior trading
empire. It was able to dominate many other European trading empires. Britain also had fewer
restrictions on trade than France, adding to its economic advantages. According to ushistory.org,
"The British had an empire to run. The way that they kept their economy healthy was through a
system called mercantilism. This system, the British colonies were moneymakers for the mother

country. The British put restrictions on how their colonies spent their money so that they could
control their economies." Due to these reasons, Great Britain was greatly affected by the
expansion and control of trade. It proved to be a beneficial asset in the ride of worldwide power.
Next, I will prove the lasting impact of Britain's success in war. Great Britain was
generally on the winning side of European conflicts. This brought upon beneficial rewards,
contributing to the thrive of British power. Britain gained territories from the French, most
notably Nova Scotia and Newfoundland in North America. The ownership of land around the
world brought upon a higher power status. Unlike the rest of Europe, Britain did not have a large
standing army, but rather a fleet. As described on historytoday.com, regarding the British fleet,
"Within four years a small second-rate navy had swelled to become a force capable of laying
down the law and terrorizing rivals in northern European waters, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic
and the New World." This fleet became of powerful British navy, rivaling its opponents around
the world. By 1763, Britain had more power than France's navy. The British navy was a vital
source in protecting their growing empire and trade. Great Britain's war strength played an
important role in influencing British domination around the world.
Lastly, I will assess the benefits of the merger between Great Britain and Scotland. The
Act of Union, passed by the Scottish and England parliament, expanded borders. This led to the
creation of The United Kingdom, pouring in advantages for all involved. Britain was now unified
with the country of Scotland and Wales. At the start, many of the scots were skeptic, rejecting
the countries merger. However, as prosperity rapidly inclined, so did their acceptance. Each land
had motivates towards what they wanted to accomplish through the union. As stated on
Britanica.com, "Scotlands need for economic security and material assistance and Englands
need for political safeguards against French attacks and a possible Jacobite restoration, for which

Scotland might serve as a conveniently open back door." The new economic advantages brought
upon both lands was a result of the merger. Together, the two build up a stronger economic
market, one that was larger for farmers and manufacturers. Free trade was now circulating
throughout both lands. This opened up more opportunity for more product at a less expensive
cost, providing many financial benefits.
In conclusion, Great Britain grew in global prominence during the 1700's. The island of
Great Britain is small, but nevertheless was mighty. Its location allowed for trade control and the
flourishing of a global trading empire. The quote, "the sun never sets on the British empire,"
comes into play when discussing Britain's control of land around the world. Its mercantilist
policies with very few restrictions helped the land thrive economically. The British navy
dominated its competitors, protecting Britain's growingly successful empire. Lastly, the union of
Scotland and Great Britain brought upon a many advantages allowing the British, making it
another aspect in the climb to prominence. These factors combined are what emerged Great
Britain into a worldwide powerhouse. Reflect on the ways that a small island in Europe was able
to receive recognition around the globe for its rising power.