BSkyB - The British (2012) Part 5 Superpower

The British

2,000 years of British history will be told in epic scale, The British tells the history of Britain and Ireland from the Roman invasion to the birth of TV and the Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. Spanning two thousand years in seven hours, the series will bring vividly to life through compelling drama and spectacular CGI the real and often surprising stories of the unsung heroes as well as the icons of history. A line-up of notable and influential celebrities will give their views on what the history of Great Britain means to them. The list of celebrities contributing to the show includes: Russell Brand, Lily Cole, Tracey Emin, Helen Mirren, Caitlin Moran, Lord Puttnam, Ben Kingsley and Robert Winston.

Part 5: Superpower

The expansion of Britain's empire through exploration and invention, as the Industrial Revolution transformed society and the economy - though the rise of mechanised factories was not welcomed by all. The programme also explores the colonisation of Australia and the advances in 19th-century technology that turned the Crimean War into one of the most brutal conflicts in military history

BSkyB