The Strange Case of Britain - Chapter 1 The Rise of Nationalism in Europe Class 10 History
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The Strange Case of Britain - Chapter 1 The Rise of Nationalism in Europe Class 10 History
• Unlike the case of Germany and Italy, in Britain the formation of the nation state was different as it was not the result of sudden rising or any revolution.
• Before the eighteenth century there was no Britain nation. The people who were living in British Isles belong to different ethnic groups such as English, Welsh, Scot or Irish. Each ethnic group had their own cultural and political traditions.
• The English nation continuously grew in wealth, importance and power so it extended its influence over the other nations of the islands.
• After a long struggle, the English parliament seized power from the monarchy in 1688. Through the English Parliament, a nation-state with England at its centre started taking shape.
• The Bill of Rights, passed in 1688, established the Rule of Law in the country. It provided that suspension of laws, implementation of taxes and raising of an army could be done only with the consent of Parliament thus the Parliament became supreme.
• The Act of Union in 1707 was passed by the Parliament of England between England and Scotland that resulted in the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’. This act meant that England was able to impose its influence on Scotland.
Scotland
• Throughout the 17th century, there was mistrust between England and Scotland. However, in 1707, the Scottish Parliament voted to agree to the union between these two countries. Thus, Scottish Parliament was dissolved and both countries unified to form ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain’.
• The British parliament was dominated by its English members and this growth in British identity meant that culture of Scotland and its political institutions were systematically suppressed.
Scottish Highlands
• England was a Protestant nation thus, the catholic clans who lived in Scottish Highlands whenever they try to gain their independence were repressed by the England.
• They were forbidden to speak their Gaelic language or wear their national dress. In large numbers they were driven out of their homeland forcefully.
Ireland
• Ireland suffered a similar fate. It was a country deeply divided between Catholics and Protestants. The English helped the Protestants of Ireland to establish their dominance over a largely Catholic country.
• The revolts of Catholics against the British nation were supressed. After failed revolt led by Wolfe Tone and his United Irishmen in 1798 against Britain nation. In 1801, Ireland was incorporated into the United Kingdom.
A New ‘British Nation’
• A new ‘British nation’ was made which has dominant English culture.
• The symbols of the new Britain – the British flag (Union Jack), the national anthem (God Save Our Noble King), the English language – were actively promoted and the older nations survived only as subordinate partners in this union.