Session 2 - The Formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain

15.04.2024 Session 2 - The formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Reader: p. 7-18 The British Context • Britain has undergone significant changes in its identity and direction, transitioning from empire to a commitment to Europe, particularly through EU membership. • The historical isolation from mainland Europe is gradually changing, with increased cooperation and infrastructure development like the Channel Tunnel. • Scepticism towards Europe and desires for national independence still influence British attitudes despite global trade reliance. • Social and structural changes in Britain have occurred through a mixture of abrupt and gradual processes, shaping institutions and societal norms. • There's a tension between top-down governance structures and bottom-up grassroots movements, with criticisms of distance from decision-makers and lack of accountability. • British society exhibits diverse and conflicting ways of life, influenced by various factors including politics, economics, culture, and ethnicity. • Recent decades have seen debates about the direction of British society, with challenges to traditional assumptions and attempts at modernization. • Economic growth and social progress have been accompanied by persistent structural and social problems, leading to calls for reform and concerns about social cohesion. • Political ideologies have shifted over time, with attempts to balance free-market policies with social welfare measures, often met with criticism and resistance. • Opposition parties, interest groups, and grassroots movements play a role in driving structural change, alongside government initiatives and responses to public opinion. • British society values individual independence and liberty, often expressing dissent through protests and public opinion. • Britain has undergone significant changes in its identity and direction, transitioning from empire to a commitment to Europe, particularly through EU membership. • The historical isolation from mainland Europe is gradually changing, with increased cooperation and infrastructure development like the Channel Tunnel. • Scepticism towards Europe and desires for national independence still influence British attitudes despite global trade reliance. • Social and structural changes in Britain have occurred through a mixture of abrupt and gradual processes, shaping institutions and societal norms. • There's a tension between top-down governance structures and bottom-up grassroots movements, with criticisms of distance from decision-makers and lack of accountability. • British society exhibits diverse and conflicting ways of life, influenced by various factors including politics, economics, culture, and ethnicity. • Recent decades have seen debates about the direction of British society, with challenges to traditional assumptions and attempts at modernization. • Economic growth and social progress have been accompanied by persistent structural and social problems, leading to calls for reform and concerns about social cohesion. • Political ideologies have shifted over time, with attempts to balance free-market policies with social welfare measures, often met with criticism and resistance. • Opposition parties, interest groups, and grassroots movements play a role in driving structural change, alongside government initiatives and responses to public opinion. • British society values individual independence and liberty, often expressing dissent through protests and public opinion. 15.04.2024 Session 2 - The formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Reader: p. 19-30 The People • Mesolithic settlers arrived in Britain around 8,300 BC, followed by Neolithic settlers around 4,000 BC, who introduced advanced skills in stone carving and settled agricultural communities. • The Beaker Folk likely introduced Bronze Age culture around 2,000 BC. • Celtic tribes migrated to the British Isles around 600 BC, but their exact identity and relationship with existing groups are debated. • Roman expeditions began in 55 BC, with the Roman occupation lasting from AD 43 to AD 409, leaving lasting influences on Christianity, agriculture, and governance. • Germanic tribes invaded after the Roman withdrawal in AD 409, leading to the division of Britain into Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. • Scandinavians (Vikings) invaded in the 8th and 9th centuries, leaving a lasting impact on settlement, farming, and language. • The Norman Conquest in AD 1066 marked the last successful external military invasion of Britain, influencing language, society, and governance. • The four nations of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland developed distinct identities and experienced political struggles, leading to the creation of the British state. • Wales was brought under English rule by Edward I in the 13th century, while Scotland remained independent until the political union in 1707. • The Protestant Reformation and religious differences added to tensions between the nations. • Britain experienced significant immigration, contributing to economic, cultural, and industrial developments. • Agricultural changes and industrial revolutions in the 18th and 19th centuries transformed Britain's economy and demographics. • Urbanization increased as people moved from rural areas to urban centers for industrial work, leading to population growth and ethnic conflicts. • By the early 19th century, Britain had become a predominantly industrialized country, with significant population growth concentrated in urban areas. • Industrialization in the 19th century attracted new immigrants to Britain, particularly those with business and financial skills, contributing to the country's economic growth. • Despite opportunities in Britain, immigration was limited by the attractiveness of North America, which received large numbers of immigrants from around the world. • By the late 19th century, Britain was the world's leading industrial nation, but faced increasing competition and lost its lead in manufacturing. • Immigration to Britain increased in the 20th century, with refugees escaping persecution in Europe and economic immigrants seeking opportunities. • Concerns over immigration led to public and political debates, with laws enacted to restrict entry and protect immigrants' rights. • Post-war immigration saw a significant influx from non-white Commonwealth countries, leading to debates on race and integration. • Despite legislative efforts to combat discrimination, racial tensions and inequalities persisted, affecting various ethnic communities differently. • Immigration patterns shifted in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with EU immigration increasing and concerns over net migration levels. • Government policies aimed to balance the economic benefits of immigration with the need for control and integration. • Historically, Britain has experienced periods of both immigration and emigration, reflecting the flexible nature of migration patterns. 1. Population Trends: • Britain experienced a net loss of population due to emigration during the 1970s and 1980s, but this reversed in the late 1990s with more immigrants entering than emigrants leaving. • Immigrants historically came from India, Pakistan, and Africa, but today there's an increasing influx from the Old Commonwealth and the EU. • Controversies surround the entry of asylum seekers, with concerns about economic migrants posing as refugees. 2. Public Attitudes and Policy Responses: • Opposition to immigration and race relations fluctuated over the 20th century, with heightened concerns in certain periods. • Recent polls show increasing concern about immigration but a decoupling of immigration from race relations issues. • Government policies have evolved, with attempts to tighten immigration rules and naturalization criteria over time. 3. Ethnic Groups in the UK: • The UK's ethnic minority population has grown, with about 12.9% of the total population being non-white. • Ethnic minorities are concentrated in urban areas, particularly London. • Immigrants come from diverse backgrounds, including Ireland, Commonwealth countries, EU states, the Middle East, and new EU members. 4. Population Movements: • Internal population shifts occurred throughout the 20th century, with movements away from industrial areas towards the English Midlands and southeast England. • The rural population has declined, and there's been a trend of moving back to urban centres from some rural areas. 5. Attitudes to Identity: • British identity is complex, with strong regional and national identities within England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. • Ethnic identities are significant, and there's debate over the definition and importance of Britishness. • Devolution has strengthened regional identities, particularly in Scotland and Wales, and sparked a resurgence of English nationalism. 6. Changing Demographics: • The UK's population has increased, with projections estimating further growth. • Demographic changes vary across regions, with denser populations in urban areas, particularly in Greater London and southeast England. • There's a shift towards stronger ethnic and regional identities, alongside a nuanced sense of Britishness. 15.04.2024 Session 2 - The formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Reader: p. 31-46 History 1. Prehistory: • Iron Age Celtic culture in the British Isles. • Mystery surrounding prehistoric sites like Stonehenge. • Limited knowledge about prehistoric cultural and religious practices. 2. Stonehenge: • Built between 3050 and 2300 BC. • Mysterious construction methods and purpose. • Used by Druids for seasonal ceremonies. • Attracts tourists and alternative groups like hippies. 3. Roman Period (43-410): • Romans imposed their culture on Britain but left little lasting impact. • Influence extended mainly over England and Wales. • Celtic Britons experienced direct Roman rule, while Gaels in Ireland and Scotland did not. 4. Germanic Invasions (410-1066): • Angles and Saxons settled in England, leading to Saxonization of the region. • Vikings invaded in the eighth century, but were eventually halted by King Alfred. • Anglo-Saxon culture predominated in England. 5. Medieval Period (1066-1485): • Norman invasion brought England into mainstream European culture. • Feudal system imposed by Normans. • Cultural split between lowlands (Anglo-Norman) and highlands (Celtic). • Development of Parliament and common law. • Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) ended with Henry VIl's victory. 6. Sixteenth Century: • Tudor dynasty established strong centralized government. • Rise of Protestantism in England driven by political motives. • England became a distinct 'island nation. • Shakespeare's plays emerged in this period. • Protestantism in England: Protestantism became the majority religion in England due to patriotism and religious conviction, leading to Anglicanism as the dominant form of Protestantism. • Protestantism in Scotland and Ireland: Calvinism became dominant in Scotland, while Ireland remained Catholic, leading to cultural and religious divides within the British Isles. • Reign of Henry VIII: Henry VIlI's reign saw the English Reformation, driven partly by his desire for marital freedom and control over the Church in England. • Elizabeth I: Skilled diplomacy by Elizabeth I stabilized Protestant England, fostering patriotism and confidence despite religious tensions. • Events and developments: Key events such as the English language Bible in 1538, the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, and the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 shaped English history. Civil War and Stuart Monarchy: The Civil War in the 17th century led to the establishment of parliamentary supremacy over the monarchy and the eventual execution of Charles I. • Glorious Revolution: The Glorious Revolution of 1688 resulted in a constitutional monarchy, limiting the powers of the monarch and ensuring Parliament's supremacy. • Industrial Revolution and Empire: The 18th and 19th centuries saw significant industrial and imperial expansion, transforming Britain economically and culturally. • Victorian Era: The Victorian era was characterized by social reforms, industrialization, and the expansion of the British Empire. • Twentieth Century: The 20th century saw shifts in political power, including the rise of the Labour Party and the decline of Britain as a global superpower.