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In 1781, after defeating the British army, white American settlers declared independence and the United States of America was born. Formerly enslaved Africans who had fought on the British side during the War of Independence were forced to leave America and come to Britain.

In 1789 the French monarchy was overthrown in the French Revolution. This led to years of European War which ended in 1815 when German and British armies defeated the French general, Napoleon, at the Battle of Waterloo.

The 19th century was a period of wars and revolutions across Europe, causing many refugees and economic migrants to come to Britain looking for work and safety.

Two new unified nations, Germany and Italy, emerged. By the end of the century, Germany’s power and influence was rising and challenging the empires of Britain and France.