Focus: Victorious Decline

The last century has been a time of abrupt changes for the United Kingdom. It lost its position as a dominant great power. Its empire was transformed into a voluntary association of member nations. It tied itself to Europe through an economic and political union which in 2016 it rejected through a referendum. It even re-examined relations among its constituent peoples.

Read more in Access to English: Social Studies, pp. 38-51. Then do the tasks in the textbook and here on the website.

England captain Bobby Moore celebrates with his teammates after winning the 1966 Football World Cup. Since those heady days, the England team has had little to cheer about. England captain Bobby Moore celebrates with his teammates after winning the 1966 Football World Cup. Since those heady days, the England team has had little to cheer about.

Winston Churchill talking about the first ten weeks of war

Winston Churchill announcing Germany's unconditional surrrender