Most of Great Britain, made up by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, was conquered by Rome, which ruled the island for almost 500 years. Subjected to raids by Continental Angles, Jutes and Saxons, in 1066 England was conquered by the Normans, who were eventually assimilated. While Wales came under Anglo-Norman control in 1282, it wasn't officially annexed by England until the 16th century. After the Wars of Scottish Independence, the House of Stuart ruled Scotland uncontested for three centuries. In 1707 England, Scotland and Wales formed the United Kingdom, which fueled by such developments as the England-led Industrial Revolution, the Scottish Enlightenment, and the building of the expansive British Empire. The Empire came under extreme pressure during World War 1, and was further weakened by World War 2, resulting in its dissolution, and the establishment of the British Commonwealth of Nations in its place.
