[originaltext] England became a stronghold of the Protestant version of Chri

England became a stronghold of the Protestant version of Christianity during the 16th Century. In thel7th century, the British people developed a system of government by parliament which was later copied in many other countries. During the18th Century, the great revolutions in farming and industry that later took place worldwide, began in Britain. Steam power, steam trains, coal mines and water power began to transform the means of transport and production. The world’s, first industrial cities grew in the Midlands. Then, in thel9th Century, the development of a massive British Empire brought power and wealth to the nation. By the time Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837, Britain had be come the world’s greatest power.
    Later on, in the 20th century, Britain played a vital part in saving Europe from the threat of Fascism during World War Two.
    In1966, England won the Football World Cup and became World Champion. This is some thing many British people are very proud of.
    Britain joined the European Community in 1973, but was still separated from mainland Europe. Finally, in 1994 the Channel Tunnel was opened, which links Britain back to the European continent.
    The first men and women came to Britain over two and a half million years ago. They were hunters and gatherers of food who used simple stone tools and weapons.
    Britain used to be joined to, the European land mass. It became an island separate from the rest of Europe about 8,500 years ago, when melting ice formed the English Channel.
    Britain has been invaded by people from Italy, Germany, Scandinavia and France, each bringing with them their own languages and customs.