The Strange Case of Britain

🏴 Ethnic Identities Before Unification

  • Before the 17th century, no country called “Britain” existed.
  • People identified as:
    • English
    • Welsh
    • Scots
    • Irish
  • Each group had its own culture and traditions.

📜 Formation of the United Kingdom

  1. Act of Union (1707)
    • England + Scotland → United Kingdom of Great Britain.
    • England dominated political & cultural life.
  2. Incorporation of Ireland (1801)
    • Done forcibly after the failed Irish rebellion of 1798 led by Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen.
  3. Symbols of British Nation promoted:
    • 🇬🇧 Union Jack (flag)
    • 🎵 National Anthem – “God Save Our Noble King”
    • 🗣 English language

⚠️ Impact of English Dominance

  • England’s growing wealth, power, and Parliament’s authority allowed it to impose influence over other nations.
  • Scotland, Ireland, and Wales were politically and culturally dominated.

🌍 Nationalism and Imperialism

📌 Key Definitions

  • Nationalism 🏳️ – Loyalty & devotion to a nation/nation-state; prioritising national interests above all.
  • Imperialism 🌐 – Extending power and control over other territories via political, economic, or military means.

🗺 Nationalism in the Late 19th Century

  • After 1871, nationalism began mixing with imperialism.
  • The Balkans became the most tense region:
    • Included modern Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro.
    • Known as the “Powder Keg of Europe” → a spark here could cause war.

💥 Nationalism + Imperialism = World War I

  • Competition between European powers for colonies + aggressive nationalism → WWI (1914).
  • War impact spread beyond Europe to the entire world.

🌏 Spread of Nationalism Worldwide

  • Originated in Europe → spread to colonies.
  • Colonised countries adapted nationalism to their own struggles (e.g., independence movements).
  • The form of nationalism differed between nations, but the idea of the nation-state became universal.