Chap. 1
British Civilisation
1. Terminology and Geography
- British Isles : archipelago of about 5000 islands including Great Britain and Ireland.
- Great Britain (GB) : island comprising England, Scotland, and Wales.
- United Kingdom (UK) : political entity including Great Britain + Northern Ireland.
- Ireland : island divided into Northern Ireland (UK) and Republic of Ireland (independent).
- UK separated from mainland Europe by the Channel (La Manche) and the North Sea.
- UK terrain: mostly flat, with hills, plateaus, moors, and fens; temperate, rainy climate.
- Important economic features: coal mines (England, Wales), naval bases, harbours.
- Eurotunnel opened in 1994 connecting UK to France.
2. Four Nations and Their Identity
| Nation | Capital | Population (millions) | Key Historical Dates | Identity Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | Cardiff | 3 | 1272 conquered by England; 1536 parliamentary union | 20% Welsh speakers; distinct language and culture |
| Scotland | Edinburgh | 5.4 | 1603 same monarch (James VI); 1707 Act of Union | Never invaded; own legal/education system; Presbyterian Church |
| Northern Ireland | Belfast | 1.9 | 16th c colonized by English; 1921 partition | Divided island; Anglo-Irish Treaty; mixed Catholic/Protestant |
| England | London | 57 | Monarchy since 1066; centre of UK power | Largest population; Protestant; historical monarchy |
- Flags:
- England: St George's Cross
- Scotland: St Andrew's Cross
- Wales: Red dragon on white & green (not in Union Jack)
- Northern Ireland: St Patrick's Cross
- Union Jack combines England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland flags; used by UK and some Commonwealth countries.
3. Demography
- UK population ~69 million; England most densely populated (11,200/km² in some areas).
- Major cities: London (9m), Birmingham (1.1m), Liverpool (0.5m).
- Population growth influenced by:
- 1940s-60s baby booms; high fertility until 2000.
- Immigration waves: Irish (1840s), Jews (WWII), Eastern Europeans (Cold War), Commonwealth migrants (1950s+).
- Immigration laws introduced from 1940s to control flows; work permits for Commonwealth.
- Multiculturalism rising: 2011 census 86% white, 2021 census 81%.
- Life expectancy: 82 years (women), 79 years (men).
- Aging population balanced by immigration.
4. Common Values and Culture
- Language: English with diverse regional accents (RP English, Mancunian, Scouse, Cockney).
- Food: traditional dishes include fish and chips, tea with milk and sugar, cream tea with scones.
- Meal times: lunch often snacks; dinner early (~5 pm); late snacks (~10 pm).
- Sports: football, cricket, rugby, netball, lacrosse; famous events include Royal Ascot and Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.
- Literature: popular authors include Tolkien (Lord of the Rings) and J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter).
- Historical heritage: Remembrance Day (Poppy Day) honors WWI soldiers with poppies symbolizing sacrifice.
5. Political Structure and Devolution
- Devolution: transfer of powers from UK Parliament (Westminster) to national assemblies/parliaments of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Wales:
- 1536 union with England; invaded 1282.
- 1998 Government of Wales Act created National Assembly for Wales (60 members), handling regional matters.
- 40 Welsh MPs remain in Westminster.
- Scotland:
- 1707 Act of Union with England; political autonomy maintained.
- Own legal and education systems; Presbyterian Church.
- 1998 Scotland Act created Scottish Parliament (129 MSPs) with tax-raising powers and free university tuition under 25.
- 59 Scottish MPs in Westminster.
- Northern Ireland: has its own assembly (not detailed in course).
- Devolution reflects political desire for regional autonomy while maintaining UK unity.
- Tony Blair (PM from 1997) supported and implemented devolution reforms.