During the century and a half between the return of the Stuart monarchy in 1660 and the battle of Waterloo, England gradually emerged as the most formidable superpower the world had yet seen. This is a one-volume overview of a remarkable transformation, from domestic instability and external weakness to global economic and military predominance. Taking account of recent historical scholarship, it provides an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of both domestic developments and foreign involvements. Although the main focus is on England and Wales, the wider British context of Ireland and Scotland, and the reciprocal interrelations of England, Europe, and the wider world are also considered.