The United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Buckingham Palace

The United Kingdom The United Kingdom is made up of about 60 million people in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is an island nation, isolated from the continent, and it developed a unique culture.

History England developed a strong navy and dominated the seas for centuries Britain conquered many continents in its quest to “make the world England.” Queen Victoria

" the Empire upon which the sun never set " At its height, Britain’s empire covered more than a quarter of the world’s land surface and three quarters of its people. As well as bringing Britain great power and wealth, it also established the English language and traditions as the most widespread in the world at the time.

Government Constitutional Monarchy: democracy with king or queen as figurehead, but no power. Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch since Parliament makes the laws, and the leader of the ruling party becomes Prime Minister – currently Gordon Brown (since 2007).

Economy After WWII, the British colonies began to gain their independence and its economic and political power declined. Have developed a welfare state in which the government assumes responsibility for the social and economic care of the people, and the people pay high taxes to fund this. Joined the European Union in 1973, but still use the pound instead of the euro.

Ulster – Northern Ireland The Northern tip of Ireland voted to remain part of the UK in 1949 when the rest of Ireland got its independence. The majority are Protestant (2/3) and support the British. The minority (1/3) are Catholic and most want to be part of Ireland.

The conflict has been marked with demonstrations, riots and violence ever since. Thousands have been killed. Both sides have terrorist groups that have targeted civilians to send their message. British troops have been stationed in the area since 1969, but the Catholics see this as part of the problem.

Protestants Most Protestants favor British control because they are descendents of the British and are called Loyalists. The police force is the Royal Ulster Constablary (RUC). Some paramilitary groups are the Orangemen, the Ulster Freedom Force - UFF, the Ulster Volunteer Force - UVF.

Catholics Most Catholics feel that Ulster should be part of the Republic of Ireland and are called Republicans. The most famous paramilitary group is the Irish Republican Army or IRA. A more violent splinter group is the Real IRA. Sinn Fein is the political wing of the IRA.

Violence Violence between the groups is common, and many attempts at peace have failed. The IRA is known for its use of bombs. The Orangemen are Protestants that plan parades through Catholic neighborhoods to celebrate British control. This often leads to riots. Click to view riot footage

The Good Friday Treaty (officially: Belfast Treaty) The majority of people in Ulster want peace, but the violence often gets in the way. However, in 1998 a historic agreement was reached that allows the people of Northern Ireland to run their own government and for Protestants and Catholics to share power.

Omagh The IRA supports the treaty because they were allowed to participate in the process for the first time. However, many extremists still cause violence as the Real IRA did by killing 29 at Omagh right after the Treaty was approved.

Compromise 71% of Ulster approved the Treaty and 94% of those in Ireland supported it. The Northern Ireland Assembly makes the laws, but they must have a 2/3 majority to pass a measure. Why? The Protestants have a majority and could dominate other wise.

Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister agreed to give Ulster self-rule and the British still have influence with the British-Irish Council. The Irish participate in the North-South Council.

John Hume Nobel Prize Winners

The Peace is tentative. The IRA has apologized for past terrorists actions, but they do not want to fully “decommision” or give up their weapons. Violence has continued, but the new format seems to offer the best path to peace.