The Kingdom of Great Britain was formed in 1707 when the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland united under a single parliament. This union created a powerful nation that played a significant role in global politics, trade, and culture during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1801, the Kingdom of Great Britain merged with the Kingdom of Ireland to become the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The kingdom was known for its advancements in industry, science, and the arts, contributing to the Industrial Revolution and the spread of the British Empire.