Year 8 · History · beta

The British Empire: why did it grow in the 17th and 18th centuries?

In this unit pupils develop overview knowledge of why the British Empire grew in the 17th and 18th centuries. They learn about the state of Britain's empire at the beginning and end of the 'long eighteenth century' before analysing differing historians' arguments about why it grew.

This is an attributed Oak National Academy lesson sequence, not a completed or academically approved DASKEREL course. Supporting transcripts may depend on video, images, practical equipment or teacher explanation. Follow each lesson’s supervision guidance. For religious education and RSHE, follow the school’s syllabus, policy and safeguarding procedures.

Prior knowledge

  • Pupils know that by 1688 England was largely still an agricultural nation.
  • Pupils will have a conceptual understanding of various empires throughout history, such as the Roman Empire.
  • Pupils know about the growth of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Source curriculum references

  • Extend and deepen their chronologically secure knowledge and understanding of British, local and world history, so that it provides a well-informed context for wider learning
  • Understand historical concepts such as cause and consequence

Oak source metadata. DASKEREL has not independently verified school-level coverage.

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