Transcript The United Kingdom – History and Government The United

The United Kingdom –
History and Government
The United
Kingdom is a
union of 4
small countries:
-England
-Scotland
-Wales
and
-Northern Ireland
The United Kingdom – History and Government
•Most British/English are descended from
the Celts.
•Other major groups to come to Britain were the
Anglos and the Saxons—along with Vikings and
Normans.
•The British have a powerful military history—
especially the navy.
•By 1900, the British Empire covered nearly onefourth of the world’s total land area! It has since
declined.
The United Kingdom – History and Government
•Great Britain played and is still playing a large
role in many conflicts throughout history—
including both World Wars.
•The UK is a major US ally in the war on
terror.
The United Kingdom – History and Government
• Now the UK has a constitutional monarchy—it
still has a king or a queen but Parliament and the
Prime Minister make the laws.
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• Scotland and Wales now have more control locally
and may one day seek independence
from the UK.
Scottish Parliament Building
• Violence in Northern Ireland, stemming from
religious differences, has plagued the UK for years.
English Culture
•The Church of England is the
country’s official church—although
many citizens belong to other
churches or faiths.
•British music and literature are
famous around the world—perhaps
the most famous British writer
(among many) is William
Shakespeare.
•British music has produced groups
like the Beatles, Coldplay, and many
others.
Westminster Abbey
The Republic of Ireland – History and Government
•Natives are descendants of the Celts.
•The Irish and the English have a history
of political problems—because of
religious differences and power struggles.
•Many Irish emigrated to the US in the
1840s because of a poor economy and a
devastating potato famine.
•Ireland now has an independent
government with an elected president
and parliament.
The Republic of Ireland – History and Government
•The Celts left their mark on Irish culture—especially in the
language. Most speak English, but Irish Gaelic is also an official
language.
•Folk music and dancing are important to Irish culture.
•Modern bands include U2 and the Cranberries.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin
•More than 90 percent of Irish are Catholic.
•St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday.