The United Kingdom: A Historical and Cultural Overview
Geography of the British Isles
The British Isles are a group of about 5,000 islands located off the northwest coast of mainland Europe. The largest island is Great Britain, which comprises England, Wales, and Scotland. The second largest island is Ireland, which consists of Northern Ireland (Ulster) and the Republic of Ireland (Eire). Great Britain and Northern Ireland together form the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom: A Political Expression
While Great Britain is a geographical term, the United Kingdom is a political one. The British Isles are currently shared by two independent states: the Republic of Ireland, with its capital in Dublin, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The island of Great Britain contains three nations: England, Scotland, and Wales. Wales became part of the UK in the 16th century, and Scotland joined in 1707. The name “United Kingdom” was introduced in 1801 when Ireland was united with Great Britain. Ireland gained independence from London in 1922.
Britain and the World: From Empire to Commonwealth
In 1920, the British Empire controlled a fifth of the world’s land surface. Today, the Empire has evolved into a voluntary association of over fifty independent states known as the Commonwealth. This association began when Britain’s older colonies (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa) became independent nations. The dismantling of the Empire was a gradual process that continued until 1962. Today, Britain has only fourteen ‘dependent territories’ that rely on Britain for their defense. The Queen is the head of the Commonwealth. She is also recognized as head of state in 18 countries, though her title carries little real power. The modern Commonwealth includes republics and other monarchies in addition to states headed by the Queen.
Multicultural Britain
After World War II, Britain appeared to be a prosperous and welcoming country for immigrant workers. All Commonwealth citizens were free to enter the country and seek employment. However, since the Immigration Act of 1962, successive governments have introduced regulations to restrict the number of immigrants. The percentage of non-whites in Britain increased rapidly between 1945 and the end of the 1970s. The 2001 census showed that it had reached 10% by then. Ethnic minorities are concentrated in cities. Racial discrimination and poor living conditions contributed to racial violence, despite the Race Relations Act of 1976, which was designed to promote equality of opportunity for people of all races.
Religion in a Multicultural Country
Is Britain a Christian country? Only 13% of the English population are members of the Church of England. Membership in Christianity is falling, while membership in other religions is increasing.
The Main Religious Groups:
- CHRISTIANS:
- Anglicans: a third of the population.
- Catholics: 10% of the population.
- Non-conformists (Protestant): Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists.
- Pentecostalists
- NON-CHRISTIANS:
- Muslims: 2%.
- Hindus: 1%.
- Jews: 2% of the Jewish community in Europe.
- Sikhs, Buddhists, and other minor groups are also represented.
- NO RELIGION: Nearly half the population of Great Britain.
Britain and Europe: The European Union
Britain joined the European Union in 1973 under a Conservative government. It was the sixth country to join, with a membership of unlimited duration. In accordance with the Treaty of Rome, Britain’s membership has not always been easy. There have been arguments over financial and agricultural policies.
Post-War Reconstruction: Labour’s Triumph
World War II was a great class leveler. Under Prime Minister Clement Attlee’s leadership, the UK nationalized the railways, coal, steel, shipbuilding, gas, and electricity industries. It also extended social services provided by the state, including unemployment insurance, sickness and old age benefits, a weekly benefit for minimum needs, and free medical healthcare for everyone (Welfare State – National Health Service).
NATO and the Decline of Empire
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was formed. India and Pakistan, along with several other former colonies, were finally granted independence as Britain made the difficult decision to turn its back on its former Empire to strengthen ties with Europe. (Britain’s Foreign Policy After the War)
The Affluent Society
The 1950s and 1960s saw a period of economic growth and prosperity under three consecutive governments. During the 1950s, there was massive growth in the private sector, and wages increased by 40% in real terms. By the 1960s, production was beginning to slow while wages and prices continued to rise. Freezing wages as a solution enabled Labour to win the 1964 elections. Abroad, the British Empire had been almost completely dismantled, generally peacefully, with most of the main independent colonies joining the Commonwealth. The decline of Britain as a world power was highlighted.