chapter 13 section 2
TRANSCRIPT
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