Entente Cordiale (The Franco-British Union of 1904)

In April 1904, the United Kingdom and the Third French Republic signed a series of agreements, known as the Entente cordiale, marking the end of centuries of conflict between the two colonial powers, and the start of peaceful co-existence. As the two powers grew closer, the prospect of union became increasingly likely, though nationalist political leaders from both sides were uncomfortable with the idea of such a merging.

Prospect of Union
In June 1904, British Prime Minster Arthur Balfour drew up a draft, "The Franco-British Union" proposal. He argued that such a union would help both sides appose the growing power of the Germany empire. Eveuntually, after much debate, both sides accepted the proposal and the two nations united of 1 August 1904.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland and France
The new nation became known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Ireland and France.