British Isles – Ireland and United Kingdom

England Vs.Great Britain(Scotland, EnglandWales)Vs.United Kingdom(Scotland, England,Wales (AKA GreatBritain) and Northern Ireland)

Early History• Sequent Occupance –

Settlement by successive groups, each creating their own distinct culture

• Celts, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Romans, Angles and Saxons (Germanic Tribes), Vikings, Normans (early French) have all occupied the British Isles.

British EmpireWhy?

1. Oceans Protected the United Kingdom

Last invasion by the Normans in 1066

2. Strong Navy to control colonies

British ColoniesWhy colonies? 1. Natural Resources =

MONEY! - $$$$$

How?Colonies to U.K. -> raw

materials (cotton)U.K. to Colonies -> Finished

goods (clothes)

Legacies?Wealth of Britain, Spread of

British law, English language, sports, culture

Legacy - English – Lingua Franca of World

Irish History - Britain “little brother”

Key Event --- Irish Potato FamineThe “Irish,” or white potato actually originated in South America.

Spanish explorers brought it to Europe in the 1500s. By the end of the 1700s, it was a major European crop. The Irish came to depend on the high nutritional properties of the potato for good health. The potato was also vital to the Irish economy. The potato was eaten at almost every meal and was approximately 75% of the Irish diet.

As a result, when a plant disease called blight ruined Ireland’s potato crop, starvation and economic crisis were almost inevitable. The disaster made clear the danger of depending on the potato or any other single crop for many nutritional needs.

When crops are crucial to the United States?When would we do if these crops were destroyed by disease or

weather disasters?

Two Choices – Starve or Leave

Potato BLIGHT!INEDIBLE potatoes

Who has Irish ancestors?

United Kingdom vs. IrelandUnited Kingdom1. Constitutional monarchyKing/Queen & Prime Minister

2. Protestant (Religion)

Both1. Sports (soccer, rugby, cricket)2English Language 3. Democracies4. Capitals are largest cities and cultural centers-London – U.K.-Dublin – Ireland

Ireland1 Republic – president

2. Catholic (religion)

Economy• Industrial Revolution began in BritainCoal, iron• 1st railroads and 1st subways in Britain• Colonial Era Britain dominated world trade• British economy remains strong – high tech

industry, services and tourism

Irish Independence

1919 -Anglo-Irish Treaty, Ended British rule in most of Ireland and established the Irish Free State. However, six northern counties would remain within the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland.

Issue Today -“Troubles” in Northern IrelandCatholic Minority vs. Protestant Majority