The British Isles

The British Isles consists of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is an independent state with its capital at Dublin.

The United Kingdom is made up of 4 countries – Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

History of the British Isles In the lowlands of Britain ( the southern half) were first occupied by the Celts. Later the Scots, Welsh and Irish would occupy the island. The Romans took control of the Island until about 300A.D.

Around 300 A.D. England was occupied by the Angles and the Saxons; two Germanic groups. 900 A.D. the British isles are raided and controlled by the Vikings of Denmark. In 1066 A.D. William the Conqueror from France (Normandy) gains control of England and establishes a permanent government.

During the 1530s England began the conquest of Ireland finally gaining control by In 1603 King James of Scotland claimed the throne of England as the closest surviving relative to the Queen of England. As King, James claimed the thrones of England Ireland and Scotland.

This is the flag of the United Kingdom. St. Andrew’s Cross - Scotland St. George’s Cross England St. Patrick’s Cross Ireland

King James I James forces Protestantism on the Catholic population of Ireland. As a result the Irish would fight for their independence from England for the next 300 years. Finally independent in 1921

During the 1830s there was a famine in Ireland known as the Potato famine. Over 1 million Irish starved to death. A million more fled to America.

By the late 1800s the British had established a empire with territories on every continent. The need for resources for its industrial economy led to this growth.

Members of the British Empire Canada The United States (13 colonies.) India Myanmar Australia Egypt Sudan Kenya South Africa

Government As a result of abuses of power in recent years Britain has adopted the Constitutional monarchy. The King or Queen is the head of State but the Prime minister is the head of government.

Industrialization Britain’s isolation from Continental Europe forced them to find m use more efficient ways to use resources. Britain was the first European nation to industrialize.

Nationalization After World War II the British government nationalized some industries to prevent their decline. “Nationalized” industries are owned by the government and protected from domestic competition.

The capital city of Ireland is Dublin.

The capital city of Northern Ireland is Belfast.

The capital city of Scotland is Edinburgh.

The capital city of Wales is Cardiff.

The capital city of England is London. London is also the capital of the United Kingdom.