Britain and National Identity Chapter 1

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.

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