The Act of Union refers to a legislative agreement that united the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into a single entity known as the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. This act aimed to create a stronger political and economic union, allowing for a unified parliament and the elimination of trade barriers between the two nations. In 1800, a second Act of Union was enacted, merging the Kingdom of Great Britain and the Kingdom of Ireland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. This consolidation was intended to stabilize the region and address issues arising from Irish discontent, ultimately leading to significant political changes in the years that followed.