What historical event began in 1066 with the invasion of England?

The Norman conquest of England in 1066 was a pivotal event that significantly altered the course of English history. It began when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England, leading to the defeat of King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. This invasion resulted in William becoming the King of England and marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule.

The consequences of the Norman conquest were profound: it introduced a new ruling elite, altered land ownership patterns, and brought about significant changes in culture, language, and governance. The introduction of Norman French as the language of the ruling class, for example, had lasting impacts on the English language. The fusion of Norman and Anglo-Saxon cultures shaped the development of medieval England and laid the groundwork for the emergence of the modern British state.

Other historical events listed, such as the signing of the Magna Carta, the War of the Roses, and the establishment of the British monarchy, occurred later in history and were influenced by the changes initiated by the Norman conquest. Understanding this event is crucial as it set the stage for many subsequent developments in English history.