SECTION 2The British Isles

History

Made up off 2 countries Republic of Ireland & United Kingdom (England, Scotland,

Wales, & Northern Ireland) Celts

1st to reach British Isles in 450 B.C. Settled Wales, Scotland, & Ireland

Angles, Saxons, and Vikings est. small kingdoms Came to British Isles from A.D. 400s to 1000s Came from Germany & Denmark

Normans Came from northern France Conquered England & est. strong kingdom

England grew in strength and power (became world power)

Rise of the British Empire Strong economy and navy help

build vast Empire for England Colonies est. in

Americas, India, & Australia Later in Africa and Asia

1700s & 1800s U.K. became economic power Was cradle of Industrial

Revolution Supplies of coal & iron & labor

force promoted industries to grow Early Industries: powered by

coal Textiles Shipbuilding Iron & later steel production

1840s food shortage in Ireland Lack of support from England

caused tensions

Decline of Empire

World Wars & Economic competition Weakened U.K. in 1900s

Ireland wanted independence All but Northern Ireland in 1949

Colonies wanted independence Most of colonies after WWII

Culture

British rule of much of world has influenced government, people and popular culture around the world

The Government

Constitutional monarchy A type of democracy in which a king or queen serves

as head of state but a legislature makes the laws Monarchs power limited in Middle Ages

Magna Carta: limited the powers of kings and required everyone to obey the law

Today: Prime Minister leads gov’t and has elected Parliament

Republic of Ireland President is head of state

Limited powers, but appoints Prime Minister Parliament and Prime Minister run gov’t

People

Common culture traits Common heritage (Celts, Angles, and Saxons) Soccer and Rugby

Unique Id Irish: Roman Catholic, speak Gaelic Scotland: wear kilts & play bagpipes

Immigrants from former British colonies add to rich culture

Popular Culture

Influences people all over globe English: language of business, education, and

the Internet Music & literature: U2, Beatles, and

Shakespeare

British Isles Today

Challenges: Bringing peace to Northern Ireland Maintain powerful economy

Northern Ireland

Problems dates back many years 1500s Protestants from England and Scotland

settled Northern Ireland Soon outnumbered Irish Catholics Protestants chose to remain part of U.K.

Catholics in Northern Ireland believe they have not been treated fairly & want to unite with Republic of Ireland Two sides have waged bitter struggle for years

The Economy

Among Europe’s strongest London: capital of U.K. And center for

world trade and industry North Sea: energy reserves (oil and

natural gas) Ireland: computer equipment & software Service Industries: banking, tourism, and

insurance

Northern Ireland

Protestant majority & Roman Catholic minority have bitterly fought each other Many deaths Catholics: believe they have not been treated

fairly & want to join Roman Catholic Republic of Ireland

Protestants: fear becoming minority; want to remain part of U.K.

Peace talks continue today