Fiches Civilisations Semestre 1 - British Monarchy PDF

Fiches civilisations semestre 1 The British Monarchy I. A Historic Turning Point - Queen Elizabeth II becomes queen on feb 6th 1952 at 26 -Coronation : June 2nd 1953 (first televised royal event) - Platinum Jubilee : 70 years of reign (a first for a British monarch, also brings pop. together). -De...

Fiches civilisations semestre 1 The British Monarchy I. A Historic Turning Point - Queen Elizabeth II becomes queen on feb 6th 1952 at 26 -Coronation : June 2nd 1953 (first televised royal event) - Platinum Jubilee : 70 years of reign (a first for a British monarch, also brings pop. together). -Death of QEII (8 Sept 2022) after - National mourning in the UK and Commonwealth (10 days). - 3 day celebration in june in the UK - Funeral watched by 28 million people in the UK (sept 19th 2022). II. The Era of Charles III - Immediate transition: “The Queen is dead, long live the King.” (no vacancy between monarchs) - Coronation: 6 May 2023, 18 m people. - Seen as “transition king” : next king → his son William, prince of Wales - Challenges: modernizing the monarchy and maintaining its popularity. - Scandals: wealth criticism ("Cost of the Crown" The Guardian) and open communication on his cancer diagnosis (2024) and Prince Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary: accused the Royal Family of racism and toxic media relations. -Popularity rates of the monarch : declined III. The Monarchy Today Constitutional monarchy: King “reigns but does not rule,” powers limited by law (Parliamentary monarchy) - Bill of Rights (1689): guarantee against arbitrary use of power (no arbitrary taxation, no arbitrary imprisonment, right to a fair trial) Representative functions of the monarch: - Head of State and Armed Forces (symbolic roles). - Head of the Commonwealth (56 states). - Head of the Church of England - Defender of the Faith (offers moral guidance) Symbolic role : Embodies stability, tradition, and national unity. The monarchy remains a key institution despite modern challenges and criticism. 1 Residual political power l -The Monarch’s Residual Political Power Powers: Ceremonial or representative functions only The monarch can: - Be informed, encourage, and warn (*Bagehot, The English Constitution*, 1867). - Hold weekly meetings with the Prime Minister. Symbolic Importance: Bagehot’s view: - The monarchy is part of the "dignified constitution" (symbolic - keep people’s attention away from real problems) versus the "efficient constitution" (Parliament and government). - Promotes social cohesion and distracts from political controversies. Modern view: - Embodies stability, continuity, and prestige. - Seen as a role model of duty (e.g., Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign, working with 15 Prime Ministers). - Maintains cultural and historical ties to the Commonwealth. II – Parliament and Government: A Two-Party System Legislative Power What? Propose, debate, and vote on laws. Check the Government's decisions. Who? House of Lords and House of Commons. Executive Power What? Create and apply policies. Ensure laws are implemented. Who? The Crown and the Government (Prime Minister + Cabinet). Judicial Power 2  What? Interpret laws in disputes. Who? All UK courts and the Supreme Court. (Not covered in this course.) Parliament Key Principle: Parliamentary Sovereignty Parliament is the most powerful institution. Over 1,000 years of history. Called the "Mother of Parliaments" (a model for others, e.g., Commonwealth nations). Main Roles of Parliament 1. Make laws (legislation). 2. Scrutinize the Government's work. 3. Debate important issues (ideas only, no vote). 4. House of Commons: Approve Government's budget. A Two-House/Bicameral System House of Commons (Lower House) Members: 650 MPs (Members of Parliament). Elections: General Election every 5 years max (last in Dec 2019). Voters: All British citizens 18+ (except Lords, prisoners, electoral fraud offenders, and the Monarch) Inside the House of Commons Types of MPs 1. Frontbenchers: MPs with ministerial roles (government or opposition). 2. Backbenchers: Regular MPs without specific roles. 3. Crossbenchers: Independent MPs, not part of any party. The Speaker of the House Presides over debates. Current Speaker: Lindsay Hoyle. Strict Protocol Government: Sits on Speaker’s right. Opposition: Sits on Speaker’s left. Election results can reverse seating. Physical Layout: ○ Symbolizes a two-party system (Conservative/Labour). ○ Benches' distance equals two sword lengths (historical symbolism). Party Discipline: The Whips Ensure MPs follow the party's stance in votes. 3 Constituencies One MP per constituency. House of Lords (Upper House) Members: 780 Lords (mostly men historically). ○ Composition: 666 life peers. 26 bishops/archbishops (Church of England). 90 hereditary peers. ○ Appointed by parties and an independent commission. Role: Represent expertise, diverse fields, and "independence of thought" (no reelection pressure). Inside the House of Lords Similar Layout: Lords from parties + crossbenchers. Debates: Led by the Lord Speaker. Opening of Parliament: Takes place here. Monarch and the House of Commons By tradition (since 1640 Civil War), the Monarch cannot enter the House of Commons. His Majesty’s Government and Opposition His Majesty’s Government Current Government: Labour Party. Prime Minister: Keir Starmer (since July 2024). Structure: ○ Cabinet: 21 main ministers. ○ Additional Ministers: Around 100 others across various roles. His Majesty’s Official Opposition Definition: The second-largest party in the House of Commons, tasked with challenging the government. Current Opposition: Conservative Party. ○ Leader: Rishi Sunak (former PM, interim leader until a new one is chosen). Shadow Cabinet: ○ Team of designated spokespeople ready to take over government roles if needed. ○ Reinforces the UK’s two-party political system. Comparison 4  France: No shadow cabinet, contributing to a less structured political transition system. The British Constitution Definition A set of rules defining the powers of institutions, responsibilities of citizens, and their interactions with one another. Specific Features Uncodified: No single reference document (unlike France or the US). Evolutionary: ○ Builds through legislation and court rulings over centuries. ○ Historical milestones included in its framework. Key Milestones 1. Magna Carta (1215): Defined liberties of the king, nobles, and commoners. 2. Habeas Corpus (1679): Protected citizens from arbitrary imprisonment. 3. Bill of Rights (1689): Limited royal powers and reinforced parliamentary authority. 4. Act of Settlement (1701): Ensured the monarch cannot be or marry a Catholic. 5. Parliament Act (1911): Reduced the powers of the House of Lords. Main Principles 1. Constitutional Monarchy: ○ Established after the Glorious Revolution (1688-9). ○ Monarchy’s powers are limited by law (e.g., Bill of Rights, 1689). 2. Parliamentary Sovereignty: ○ Parliament is the supreme authority. 3. Rule of Law: ○ No one is above the law (originated from Habeas Corpus, 1679). 4. Unitary State: ○ Centralized government authority. Sources of the Constitution 1. Statute Laws: Acts passed by Parliament. 2. Common Law: Court decisions forming legal precedent. 3. Customs and Conventions: Traditional practices. 4. European Law: Historical influence; Brexit reduced this role. 5. Works of Authority: Expert writings explaining constitutional practices. 5 6  Democratic Model or Democratic Deficit – The Welfare State Definition: Welfare State A system where the government protects and promotes the economic and social well-being of its citizens through: Principles: ○ Equality of opportunity. ○ Fair wealth distribution. ○ Responsibility for helping those unable to meet basic living standards. Features: ○ Social insurance (e.g., unemployment, pensions). ○ Public services (education, healthcare, housing). ○ Anti-poverty policies. The Welfare State in Britain Origins: Implemented after WWII to rebuild society. ○ Universal Protections: National Health Service (NHS), unemployment benefits, pensions, free secondary education. ○ Initially bipartisan support (“Big State” approach). Evolution: ○ Shift to “smaller state” policies over time. ○ Debate: Reform vs. fear of dismantling (left-leaning view). Current Socio-Economic Context Contrasts: ○ Wealthy Nation: 6th largest economy globally in 2022. ○ Dynamic Market: Low unemployment (4.1% in mid-2024, lower than France or Eurozone). ○ Stark Inequalities: 20% living in poverty (2021-22), including the employed. Economic growth benefits not widely distributed. Austerity Britain (2010-2018) Background: ○ 2008 financial crisis → Labour bailed out banks, increasing national debt. ○ 2010 election: Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition under PM David Cameron. Policies: 7  ○ Austerity to reduce debt. ○ Public spending cuts affected services like the NHS and social benefits. ○ Example: Child benefits limited to two children (2017). Impact: ○ UN report in 2018 criticized poverty as a policy choice. ○ Shift from Welfare State to smaller-state spending priorities (e.g., more for police, less for pensions). Attachment to the NHS Symbol of national pride: ○ Celebrated at the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. ○ Ranked second in a list of institutions Britons are most proud of. Used in political debates: ○ Promises of more NHS funding during Brexit campaigns (later proven false). Challenges: ○ Nationwide strikes (2022) by NHS staff demanding better pay and pensions. Historical Foundations of the Welfare State Motivation: High poverty in the 1930s, WWII hardships, and a vision of a better future. Key Figure: Lord Beveridge (Liberal Party) identified “five giants” to combat: 1. Want (poverty). 2. Idleness (unemployment). 3. Disease (poor health). 4. Ignorance (lack of education). 5. Squalor (poor living conditions). Building the Welfare State Pre-WWII: Initial steps under Churchill’s coalition government. Post-War Reforms: Labour victory (1945, Clement Attlee) led to: ○ Nationalisation of industries to create jobs (Idleness). ○ Education Act (1944) for universal secondary education (Ignorance). ○ National Insurance Act (1946) for financial security (Want). ○ New Towns Act to improve housing (Squalor). ○ NHS established in 1948 (Disease). 8 The Post-War Consensus Bipartisan Agreement: ○ Mixed economy: balance between public and private sectors. ○ Commitment to the Welfare State. Conservative Era (1951-1964): ○ Did not undo Labour’s reforms. ○ Economic prosperity led to better living standards, but disparities persisted. Challenges and Limitations Despite reforms, rationing continued until 1954. The 1960s brought social progress (e.g., equal pay, abortion rights) but also highlighted the limits of the Welfare State in addressing systemic inequalities. Modern Debate A rich country with stark inequalities. Rising reliance on food banks and tough cost-of-living choices (e.g., heating vs. eating). Balancing economic growth with equitable social protection remains a pressing issue. The Limits of Success of the Post-War Model Education System Post-1944: Introduction of a secondary education system with admissions based on standardized tests. ○ Tests determined school access, creating social divides. ○ System lasted a few decades before being criticized for perpetuating inequalities. Living Standards Rediscovery of Poverty: ○ Social scientists highlighted persistent poverty despite welfare benefits. ○ Affected groups: 1. Families with children on low incomes. 2. Elderly people. ○ Result: Criticism of the Welfare State as insufficient to address needs. 9 Economic Challenges Industrial Lag: ○ UK failed to modernize during the Second Industrial Revolution, falling behind other countries. Unemployment: ○ Began rising again in the early 1960s, undermining post-war optimism. Austerity Under Labour: ○ PM Harold Wilson (1964-1970) introduced austerity measures, reducing public investment. ○ Impact: Internal tensions within the Labour Party. Public discontent over reduced spending and stagnating economic growth. Conclusion The post-war model’s success was limited by structural inequalities in education, rediscovered poverty, industrial stagnation, and economic austerity. These issues challenged the effectiveness of the Welfare State and undermined the optimism of the post-war consensus Transforming the Welfare State – Towards a Neo-Liberal Consensus The End of Consensus (1970s) Economic Crisis (1973-79): Rising unemployment and social tensions challenged the Post-War Consensus. ○ Welfare State became costly due to higher unemployment and increased benefits demand. ○ Ideological split between parties on solutions. Key Events: 1. Conservative Gov (Edward Heath, 1970-74): ○ Strained relations with Trade Unions. ○ Lost the 1974 election. 2. Labour Gov (Harold Wilson, 1974-76; James Callaghan, 1976-79): ○ Economic struggles persisted. ○ Perceived over-reliance on Trade Unions, which funded Labour and pushed for more spending. 3. Winter of Discontent (1979): ○ Widespread strikes and public frustration culminated in a turning point. ○ Paved the way for Margaret Thatcher’s government. Thatcher’s New Right Agenda (1979-1990) 10 Philosophy: Neo-Liberal Values: ○ Criticism of the Welfare State as fostering dependency (“Nanny State”). ○ Emphasis on individualism: "There is no such thing as society, only individuals and their families." Goals: Reduce the role of the state and promote free-market economics. Key Measures: 1. Privatization: Nationalized industries sold off, shifting focus from full employment to low inflation. 2. Weakened Trade Unions: ○ Example: 1984 miners' strike crushed with harsh repression and legislation. ○ Trade Unions labeled “the enemy within.” 3. Public Sector Cuts: Reduced spending on health and education. 4. Economic Priorities: ○ Initial decline (early 1980s), with rising unemployment and falling wages. ○ Recovery began in 1986. Legacy: Divisive figure, reelected in 1983 and 1987 but forced to resign in 1990. Widely hated among the working class, celebrated by some for economic recovery. Death in 2013 highlighted polarization ("Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead" song went viral). Towards a New Neo-Liberal Consensus Post-Thatcher, both parties shifted toward the center: ○ Conservatives (John Major, 1990-97): Continued neo-liberal policies. ○ New Labour (1997-2010): Tony Blair adopted a "Third Way," balancing free-market principles with social policies. Means Testing: Welfare eligibility increasingly assessed based on individual financial need, moving away from universal benefits. Conclusion The economic crises of the 1970s marked the end of the Post-War Consensus, giving rise to neo-liberalism under Thatcher. The focus shifted from collective welfare to individual responsibility, fundamentally transforming the role of the state. Subsequent governments, both Conservative and Labour, maintained aspects of this neo-liberal framework, shaping the modern British political landscape. 11  Multicultural society Economic Context and Inequality Economic Status: ○ UK is the 6th largest economy globally with low unemployment rates. Rising Inequalities: ○ Austerity measures (2010-2018) contributed to growing disparities. ○ Neo-liberal belief in the "trickle-down effect" has not significantly addressed inequality. GINI Coefficient: Tool for measuring income distribution; data shows increasing income inequality over time. Paradox: The Working Poor: Having a job does not guarantee protection from poverty in the UK. ○ UK’s flexible labor market makes hiring and firing easier than in France, creating job instability. Breadline Britain: Groups most affected by poverty include: 1. Working poor. 2. Children. 3. Single parents. 4. Certain ethnic minorities. 5. Families with disabled members. Immigration and Controversies Illegal Immigration Bill (March 2023): Aimed to stop migrants crossing the Channel. Key Provisions: ○ Migrants arriving illegally could not claim asylum and would be detained or sent back. ○ Strict criteria for legal entry, focusing on skills and income. Controversy: ○ Criticized for treating asylum seekers as criminals and violating international law. ○ Backlash within and beyond the Conservative Party. Rwanda Plan (April 2022): Policy: Deport asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. Issues: ○ Rwanda criticized for human rights abuses; deemed unsafe. ○ First flight (June 2022) canceled due to legal challenges. ○ Plan scrapped by Keir Starmer in July 2024, though he promised stricter border security. 12 Brexit and Immigration: Immigration was a key issue in the Brexit vote, with promises to control borders and reduce numbers. Windrush Scandal (Spring 2018) Background: ○ Migrants from Commonwealth countries (1948-1971) were given indefinite leave to stay in the UK. ○ Poor record-keeping and aggressive deportation policies led to legal residents being wrongly detained or deported. ○ Notorious campaign: Vans with signs saying, “In the UK illegally? Go home or face arrest.” Consequences: Political fallout: Prime Minister Theresa May apologized and resigned. Highlighted flaws in UK immigration policies. Ethnicity and Demographics in the UK Ethnic Statistics: UK collects ethnic data through censuses, unlike France. Key resource: Office for National Statistics (ONS). Ethnic Diversity: Non-white population in England and Wales rose from 14% (2011) to 18.3% (2021). London remains the most diverse region. Top Countries of Origin for Non-UK Born Residents (2021 Census): 1. India. 2. Poland. 3. Pakistan. Regional Variations: Ethnic diversity varies significantly across the UK, with urban areas like London leading in multicultural representation. Conclusion The UK faces stark contrasts: a strong economy yet significant social inequalities. Immigration policies, ethnic diversity, and poverty are central to the ongoing debates about identity, inclusion, and fairness in British society. 13  Post-War Immigration, Racial Prejudice, and Multiculturalism in the UK Origins and Waves of Migration: 1. Irish and Polish Migration: Economic migrants; Irish often faced discrimination, represented as "subhuman" in caricatures. 2. Non-White Migration (Post-WWII): ○ Enabled by improved global communication. ○ Spurred by the 1948 British Nationality Act : Principle : allow free circulation of people between countries of the former Empire, even after independence was granted Goal : get manpower in + maintain links with Commonwealth countries Open-Door Policy: Initially welcomed Jamaican migrants as part of the "Empire." Discrimination emerged, e.g., “Flat to Let” signs excluding non-whites. Shift to Tight Control: Race riots in Notting Hill in London in 1958 Far right groups became vocal (ex: White Defence League) 1962 Commonwealth Immigration Act: Restricted migration amid rising racial tensions. 1971 : Stopped primary immigration, only secondary immigration (reuniting families) 1981 : British Nationality Act Policies transitioned from encouraging immigration to managing and limiting it. Immigration and Racial Prejudice Racial Tensions and Far-Right Groups: Mass immigration in the 1950s-60s led to increased racial tensions. Rise of far-right groups: ○ White Defence League → British National Party → National Front (1967). ○ Never gained significant political power but influenced national discourse. Two-Party System Dynamics: Far-right sentiments are occasionally co-opted by mainstream parties to appeal to a broader electorate. Media, such as the Daily Mail, played a role in stoking xenophobia. Legislation and Multiculturalism Race Relations Legislation: 14  Race Relations Acts aimed to combat direct and indirect racial discrimination (all under labour gvts) : 1965 Act : Made discrimination on ethnic grounds illegal in the public sphere 1968 Act : Ethnic discrimination was made illegal in housing and employment 1976 Act : banned direct and indirectdiscrimination in employment education public facilities and housing reinforced previous legislation + Created the Commission for Racial Equality to receive and process complaints Multicultural Policies: Aimed to preserve cultural diversity and promote tolerance via: ○ Education reform (e.g., diverse curricula). ○ Multilingual resources for non-native English speakers. ○ Legal frameworks for cultural practices, e.g., Muslim Arbitration Tribunal (2007). Comparison to France: UK embraces multiculturalism, celebrating cultural diversity. France adopts assimilation, prioritizing a shared national identity. Evaluating Multiculturalism Successes: 1. The UK celebrates its multi-racial identity in sports, arts, and politics (e.g., Idris Elba). 2. Increasing representation of minority groups in civil services and the NHS. 3. Special cultural rights granted (e.g., wearing religious attire in public roles). Challenges: 1. Persistent socio-economic and racial inequalities. 2. Islamic terrorist attacks (e.g., 2005 London bombings) fueled skepticism toward multiculturalism. 3. Shift towards assimilationist policies during crises (e.g., Thatcher-era riots, post-9/11, and 7/7 attacks). 15 Recent Developments and Attitudes Reinforcing integrationist policies (anti discrimination) : 2000 Race Relations Amendment Act public bodies must promote racial equality and implement measures to prevent race discrimination reaction to institutional racism 2006 Racial and Religious Hatred Act makes it illegal to incite hatred against a person on the basis of their religion sign of tensions between ethnic groups following the 2001 and 2005 attacks 2010 Equality Act consolidated all previous anti discrimination legislation included all types of discrimination based on genre, sexuality race, disability Race Relations Post-Brexit Sentiments: Paradoxically, attitudes toward immigration have become more positive since Brexit (Ipsos Poll, 2022). Even "Leave" voters express more favorable views toward migrants. Integration and Identity: Non-white citizens often identify as "British only," reflecting inclusivity despite challenges. National identity tied to symbols like the monarchy, fostering unity across ethnic lines. Debate: Is Britain Racist? Perceptions vary among ethnic groups, with ongoing discourse on systemic racism versus evolving attitudes. Cultural Signifiers of Britishness: Everyday items (flags, household goods) symbolize pride in a diverse yet unified national identity. Like the Constitution, Britishness is not really codified. No motto, no national holiday, little centralisation (unlike France, USA). Flexibility makes Britishness easy to identify with. Freedom, respect of individuality and sense of historical importance are at the core of British values. Conclusion The UK's immigration story is marked by cycles of openness and restriction, with multiculturalism as both a celebrated strength and a point of contention. Despite strides in diversity and inclusivity, challenges like systemic racism and socio-economic inequality persist, underscoring the complexities of integration in a globalized world. 16  BREXIT BRITAIN Brexit Britain: The Saga (2016-2021) Why and How? Act 1: David Cameron’s (2010 - 2016) Background: Euroscepticism had grown within the UK, with factions wanting reforms in the EU or complete withdrawal. Key Developments: ○ 2013: Cameron promised an EU referendum, partly to counter rising Euroscepticism and secure electoral support. ○ 2016: Cameron renegotiated UK’s EU terms, seeking safeguards for non-Eurozone countries and less EU integration. Referendum date set: June 23, 2016. The Campaigns Remain: Economic Risks: Brexit would harm trade, increase prices, and complicate selling British goods abroad. Mutual Benefits: EU membership brought financial contributions, but all members gained through collective bargaining power. EU Influence: Examples like harmonized phone chargers demonstrated the EU’s ability to implement practical consumer benefits. Leave: Sovereignty: EU laws, decided in Brussels, were seen as limiting UK autonomy. Immigration Control: Brexit was framed as a way to control borders. Economic Independence: Claims included redirecting EU contributions to domestic services like the NHS (often misleading). Populist Appeal: Campaign driven by figures like Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson, and others capitalized on anti-establishment sentiments. The Results and Political Fallout Results: Leave: 51.9%, Remain: 48.1%. Regional Split: ○ Scotland and Northern Ireland leaned Remain. ○ England and Wales predominantly voted Leave, highlighting internal divisions. 17 Immediate Consequences: Cameron resigned; Theresa May became PM in July 2016. Challenges for May: ○ Pro-Remain leader tasked with delivering Brexit. ○ Divisions in her Conservative Party: Hard Brexit: Advocated a complete break from the EU, even without a deal. Soft Brexit: Sought continued ties (e.g., membership in the single market). Remainers: A small but vocal minority opposed leaving entirely. ○ Labour Party Divisions: Most Labour MPs supported Remain or soft Brexit. Some Labour strongholds voted Leave, leaving the party torn. Brexit and Beyond: Key Players and Events 1. Key Figures: ○Nigel Farage: Champion of the Leave campaign. (UKIP Leader) ○Boris Johnson: Prominent pro-Brexit Conservative, later PM. (Conservative) ○Theresa May: Managed Brexit negotiations post-referendum. (Conservative) ○Jeremy Corbyn: Labour leader, criticized for unclear Brexit stance (Labour Leader) ○ Nicola Sturgeon: Pro-Remain, advocated for Scotland’s interests (Scottish National Party) 2. Legacy and Impact: ○ Brexit has redefined UK politics and its role on the global stage. ○ Highlighted stark regional divides in the UK. ○ Long-term economic and social effects are still unfolding. This saga remains one of the most pivotal political events in modern UK history, reshaping domestic and international dynamics. How Did Britain Get There? Act 2: Theresa May (2016-2019) July 2016 : David Cameron resigns Theresa May became PM in July 2016. - Pro-Remain in charge of delivering Brexit, - No consensus in her own party. 18 March 2017: Brexit Process Begins The UK triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, starting a two-year countdown to leave the EU. Three key negotiation points: 1. How much the UK owed the EU ("divorce bill"). 2. Rights of UK and EU citizens after Brexit. 3. The Irish border issue. End of 2018: Deal Rejected May agreed on a Brexit deal with the EU, but Parliament rejected it multiple times. Criticism: Too soft on Brexit for some MPs. Result: May resigned as PM in July 2019 Act 3: Boris Johnson (2019-2020) July 2019: Johnson Becomes PM Promised to "Get Brexit Done." July-October: renegotiated some aspects of May’s deal with the hope of getting it through Parliament > failed. December 2019: Election Win Secured an 80-seat majority for the Conservatives, ensuring control over Brexit plans. January 2020 The UK officially left the EU. The terms of a new relationship could now be defined: - One-year transition period, - European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020, December, - From January 1 2021, the UK was totally out of the EU. A new EU/UK relationship End of freedom of movement for people EU citizens need passport (ID card not enough) and visas for longer stays. Specific health insurance needed. New points-based immigration system for foreign citizens (except Irish nationals) who want to work, live and study in the UK (all need a visa). No automatic right to set up permanent residence in UK for EU nationals or in EU for UK nationals > residence permits. 19 End of freedom of movement for goods Some products (incl. food, live animals and plants), require special certificates/licenses. Traders have to fill in customs declarations > a lot of paperwork/red tape. UK/EU trade deal means that Britain can still enjoy some of the benefits of the EU (although not all). It is also free to negotiate other trade deals with countries around the world (has already done so with 58 countries). Northern Ireland becomes an exception… Some unfinished business… Special treatment for Northern Ireland Throughout years of negotiations, question of the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK) was a sticking point. Before the referendum: - Invisible: free movement of goods and people 2. Historical background: Britain and Europe since WWII A reluctant European ? For some, Brexit vote was not a surprise as UK always had a difficult relationship with Europe. 1945-1960s: UK on the margins of EU construction - Treaty of Rome (1957): UE - UK stayed out 1960s: trying to get in Two applications: 1961 (Macmillan, Conservative) then 1967 (Wilson, Labour) Considered UK wasn’t committed enough, due to links with Commonwealth 1973: UK joined EU (Third application accepted) (Heath, Conservative). 1975: membership confirmed with a referendum: 67% YES. 2002: Euro introduced as single EU currency: UK stayed out, promising a referendum that never came. Strong Euroscepticism among parties/newspapers: Conservative: Eurosceptics and Europgramatics, few Europhiles. Labour: mostly Europragmatics, apart from more left-wing members Liberal Democrats: only truly Europhile party. UKIP: Eurosceptics. Bregret (brexit regret) March 2023: 53% of people consider it was the wrong decision vs 33% who think it was the right decision. 20  From Empire to Commonwealth 1. Early Days of the Anglo-Saxon Empire Invasion of Roman Britannia by Germanic people called the Angles (la terre des Angles = « Angleterre » and the Saxons (Anglo-Saxons) in the 5th Century. The Briton were called Celts (Gauls were Celts) Celts were everywhere in Europe before the Roman Empire. They were invaded by the Franks ( « Francs » who gave « les Français ») 1. Southern Wales 1093 : Southern Wales was conquered by England in. 1284 : Northern Wales conquered 2. Scotland Scotland united to England and WalesAct of Union 1707 :founding Great Britain 3. Ireland Ireland was invaded by Protestant England under Oliver Cromwell 1649 :Cromwell took the land from the Irish Celt Catholics to give it to English Anglo-Saxon protestants 1801: The Act of Union united Ireland to the other nations thus creating the UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. 1922 : Southern part of the island rebelled, became Rep of Ireland 4.(First) British Empire Following C. Columbus, English explorers, such as John Cabot (1497) invested part of the Northern continent (Now the USA and Canada) 1583 (first colony) : Newfoundland (Canada) claimed for QEI Following the great discoveries between the 15th and 18th century (Captain James Cook- 1728-1779), Britain had made up a “first” Empire, became the “White Commonwealth” 1754-1763 : Seven Year’s War opposed France and Great Britain (among others) 1763 : Paris Treaty → France lost territories to the British 1919 : The British Empire was at its height (gained Germany’s African colonies at the End ofWWI) End of the WWI : colonial troops from the Empires that fought in Europe wants freedom. 1997 (last colony) : Retrocession of Hong Kong to China under QEII 21 Motivations for Empire Economic: ○ Access to raw materials (sugar, fur). ○ New markets for British goods. ○ Job creation Strategic: ○ Control over seas (e.g., Gibraltar, Malta). ○ Support naval dominance Social: ○ Address unemployment via settler colonies. ○ Deport convicts and agitators. ○ Upper-class opportunities (colonial army officers). Political/Ideological: ○ Prestige and global influence. ○ Spread Christianity (missionary work). Opposition to the Empire Adam Smith (1723-1790): Advocated abandoning unprofitable colonies but understood prestige. Goldwin Smith (1823-1910): Criticized Empire as costly, inefficient, and a security illusion. Richard Cobden (1804-1865): Favored independence of colonies; supported "Imperial Federation." The Statute of Westminster (1931): equality between Britain and the Dominions. The Dominions become autonomous communities within the Empire. Colonies : Not all territories under British rule were colonies Some were protectorates (territory under the protection of another one, against attacks and aggressions), mandate (similar process but linked to territories that were colonies and lost during wars, authorization given to another country to manage them), etc… All colonies changed status in the 20th cent ⇓⇓⇓ Dominions : Semi autonomous territory, transition towards independence. Will later form the White Commonwealth. Examples of Dominions : Canada (1857), Australia (1901), N Zeal and Newfoundland (1907), South Africa (1910), Ireland (1922) 22  ⇓⇓⇓ Commonwealth : 1931: Statute of Westminster, starting point of the COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS. 1947 : independence of India (wanted to stay in Commonw. but not brit. monarchs as their rulers. 1949 : Republics accepted in the Commonw. The Commonwealth of Nations What is the Commonwealth? A group of 56 independent countries from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific joining the Com. , membership based on free and equal voluntary coop Last 4 members joining (no historical ties to brit. emp) : -Mozambique -Rwanda -Gabon -Togo (in 2022) Population: ~2.4 billion people. Aims of the association promoting: - democracy - economic & development partnership - military support. Main language : english How Does It Work? The Commonwealth Secretariat (1965) manages activities from its London headquarters. Three main organizations: 1. Secretariat: Helps achieve shared goals. 2. Foundation: Promotes democracy and development. 3. Learning: Focuses on education and training. Supported by over 80 civil and professional organizations. 23 Membership Issues Some countries left or suspended (South Africa,Pakistan,Fidji, Nigeria, Zimbabwe) due to political issues The future of the commonwealth Countries like Barbados and Jamaica are becoming republics, questioning ties to the British monarchy. The Commonwealth must adapt to stay relevant, focusing on youth, equality, and climate change. Decentralization (possibly to India) and stronger benefits for all members are key to survival. Révisions 24 Quiz Dates importantes du quiz : 1837-1901 : Queen Victoria’s reign 1931 : H. Statute of Westminster 1949 : Birth of the modern Commonwealth 1953-2022 : QEII’s Reign 24th June 2016 : Brexit referendum 31st January 2020 : The UK officially leaves the EU 2020 : Murder of George Floyd in the US + protests 8th september 2022 : QEII dies at Balmoral Castle, Scotland 6th May 2023 : Coronation of Charles III 4th July 2024 : Latest General Election Partis politiques : Boris Johnson : Conservative Nigel Farage : UKIP Keir Starmer : Labour Rishi Sunak : Conservative Kemi Badenoch : Cons John Swinney Top notions 1. The UK Parliament 2. Shadow Cabinet 3. First past the post 4. Crowdfunding and Welfare State 5. CommonWealth 1. The UK Parliament : video 2. SHADOW CABINET atm : - Head of cons party : Kemi Badenoch (nov 24), - Shadow Foreign Secretary : Dame priti patel 3. First past the post : Les électeurs mettent une croix à côté du candidat pour qui ils votent. Le candidat avec le plus de voix l’emporte, toutes les autres sont perdues. Pas besoin de majorité ou de pourcentage, simplement les voix les plus nombreuses. 4. Crowdfunding and The Welfare State : - Collecting money for different individual projects (studying abroad for instance) via dedicated platforms - “A system that allows the gov of a country to provide social services such as healthcare, unemployment benefit, etc. to people who need them, paid for by taxes. French example : sécurité sociale. Goal : to put the well-being of citizens first. 5. The Commonwealth : Not an empire, 56 countries, 2.2 inhabitants 6. 2024’s highlights : 411 labour seats (for Keir Stamer) ; 62% support for the monarchy 25 Step 1 : réviser méthodo 2 : acteurs principaux 3 : concepts clé (shadow cabinet…) 4 : Lecture de graphique 5 : Anglais de base (anglais facile) Quizlet : flashcards Frise chronologique pas mal aussi 26