Answers to Questions by Yair Davidiy
Has England been the most constant World Power in history?
https://www.quora.com/Has-England-been-the-most-constant-World-Power-in-history/answer/Yair-Davidiy
England for most of its early history had a small population. Only later did it expand. Together with that the working people were relatively well off since there were less of them and need for them. Through trade in wool and minerals etc there was some degree of prosperity. There was an economic base that must also have involved political clout. France was usually the leading power in Europe and the English often defeated the French in war, periodically raided and settled in France, ruled over areas of France, and had claims to the French throne that were taken seriously. England also invaded its neighbors, Scotland and Ireland, from time to time trying to annex them. England seems never to have been a force one could disregard. Later, when Spain became the chief boy on the block the daughter of the King of Spain was married off to the heir to the throne of England. This ended with Henry-viii declaring himself head of the Church in England and successfully defying the whole of Europe. Not bad for a beginner.