1. Europe Today
Chapter 7

2. The Tower Bridge

3. I. United Kingdom Great Britain – Largest island in Europe
Most people mistakenly call all of the United Kingdom – England
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
80% of the population lives in England

4. A. Four Political Regions
1) England
2) Wales
3) Scotland
4) Northern Ireland
London – Capital and most important city in Great Britain

6. B. National Government Has a constitutional monarchy
Queen Elizabeth II – British monarchy who is a symbol of power
Parliament – National lawmaking branch of government with the real power

7. Queen Elizabeth II

8. Big Ben & Parliament

9. C. Two Houses of Gov.t’
House of Lords – Made up of nobles who inherit their positions
House of Commons – Elected representatives with the most power in Britain’s gov.t’
David Cameron – British Prime Minister who lead the government

10. David Cameron

11. Tony Blair at the House of Commons

12. D. Regional Governments
Wales has its own capital, postage stamps, national flag, and language
Want to keep their identity
20% - Of people in Wales speak Welsh as their first language
1999 – Both Scotland and Wales created their own parliaments

14. E. Northern Ireland Religious division has led to violence since 1500s
Northern Ireland – Mostly Protestant
Republic of Ireland – Mostly Catholics
Both Protestants and Catholics have tried to use violence to win control
Good Friday Accord – 1998 – Religious groups agreed to settle disputes without violence

15. F. Cultural Heritage
William Shakespeare – Most influential playwright in history
Great Britain has exported its culture to its former colonies around the world
1960s – Beatles and the Rolling Stones change music around the world

16. William Shakespeare

17. G. British Literature Mary Shelly – Frankenstein
Charles Dickens – Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, and A Christmas Carol
J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter

18. Charles Dickens