Britain and National Identity Chapter 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the difference between the terms 'Britain' and 'England'?

Britain includes England, Scotland, and Wales, while England is a part of Britain.

The national flag of the UK is called the 'Union Jack'.

True

What is the name of the legendary folk hero who lived in Sherwood Forest?

Robin Hood (correct)

Harold Godwinson

King Arthur

William the Conqueror

What event led to the English Reformation?

Henry VIII's desire to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragorn, and the Pope's refusal to allow it. Signup and view all the answers

The English Civil War was fought between the Royalists and the Parliamentarians.

True Signup and view all the answers

The Bill of Rights was established in ______________ to limit the power of the monarchy.

1689 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Battle of the Boyne?

The Battle of the Boyne marked the defeat of the Catholic Irish army and led to the split society in Northern Ireland. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Scottish poet celebrated in the Burns supper?

Robert Burns Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population in Wales has Welsh as their first language?

20% Signup and view all the answers

What do Indian British (Hindus or Sikhs) do better than Bangladeshi / Pakistani British (Muslims)?

assimilate better Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'family' in British culture?

nuclear family Signup and view all the answers

Is the British class system rigid?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Received Pronunciation' also known as?

BBC English or the Queen's English Signup and view all the answers

What is the attitude of British people towards social roles of men and women?

They do not endorse differences in public and social roles Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of MPs are women in Britain?

34% Signup and view all the answers

Is religion or politics important in British people's identity?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the sense of humour valued in British culture?

highly Signup and view all the answers

What is the attitude of British people towards politicians?

negative Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: Country and People

Britain is a term that refers to the United Kingdom (UK) and its people.
The difference between Britain, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland lies in their national identities and historical relationships.
National teams, flags, and symbols (e.g., the Union Jack, Scottish kilt, and Irish cap) are signs of national identity.
The dominance of England has led to national loyalties and identity issues in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Migration and identity are closely linked, with migration affecting the shaping of national identities.

Chapter 2: History

Prehistory: The UK's history began with Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument.
The Roman Period (43-410): The Romans invaded and settled in Britain, leaving a legacy in language, architecture, and governance.
The Germanic Invasions (410-1066): The Anglo-Saxons, Jutes, and Saxons invaded and settled in Britain, leading to the development of Anglo-Saxon culture.
Viking Britain (8th century): The Vikings conquered and settled in parts of Britain, particularly in Scotland and Ireland.
Norman Conquest (1066): William the Conqueror defeated the English army, leading to the Norman rule of England.
The medieval period (1066-1458): A strict feudal system was imposed, and the English language and culture developed.
The 16th century: The Black Death led to a shortage of labor, and trade and towns flourished.
The House of Tudor (1485-1603): The Tudor dynasty, including Henry VIII, ruled England, and the English Reformation led to the establishment of the Church of England.
The English Civil War (1642-1651): The war between the Royalists and Parliamentarians led to the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth.

Chapter 3: Identity

Strong national loyalties exist in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Scotland has a distinct national identity, with its own public life, education, and cultural symbols.
Wales has a lesser sense of national distinctiveness, with Scottish, Irish, and English people integrating into Welsh society.
England has a weaker sense of national identity, with the terms "English" and "British" often used interchangeably.
Other ethnic identities in the UK, including Black Caribbeans and Indians, have their own cultural practices and languages.
The family is an important unit in British society, with a growing trend of single-parent families and people living alone.
Geographical identity is significant, with people having a strong sense of loyalty to their place of birth.
The north-south divide in the UK is a social and economic phenomenon, with stereotypes about northerners and southerners.
Class is a flexible and complex issue in the UK, with social mobility possible but attitudes to class still prevalent.

Chapter 4: Identity

British identity is complex, with a mix of national, regional, and ethnic identities.
The UK is a multicultural society, with concerns about national identity and values.
A sense of humor is highly valued in British culture, with jokes and humor expected in both informal and formal situations.
Personal identity is shaped by a range of factors, including national identity, regional loyalty, and social class.### British Values
Bravery in the face of adversity, modesty, and sense of humour are highly valued in British culture.

Public Attitudes to Politics

British people tend to hold negative attitudes towards politicians, viewing them as dishonest and untrustworthy.
Many people are not interested in politics and do not know their politicians' names.
Politics is often considered a bad choice of conversation topic.

The Style of Democracy

British people have a deep respect for the principles of law, but are not keen to make new laws.
Britain has relatively few rules and regulations.
There are no ID cards for British citizens.
Until the 21st century, people could demand information disclosure from the government.
The 30-year rule restricts access to government papers for 30 years.
The people and the government generally "leave each other alone" as much as possible.
The government has a "free hand" to run the country, with the people's main responsibility being to obey the law and pay taxes.

The Constitution

Britain is a constitutional monarchy, with a king or queen governed by the government.
The country is also a parliamentary democracy, with the government controlled by an elected parliament.
The head of state (the King) has little real power.
Britain does not have a physical constitution, instead relying on an accumulation of centuries-old rules, regulations, principles, and procedures.
There is no written law about the Prime Minister's requirements and powers, which are instead based on custom and practice.

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Description

Explore the concepts of Britain, national identity, and their differences in this chapter. Learn about national teams, signs of national identity, and how the term 'Britain' is used