The British Isles Key Terms Sequent occupance Famine
The British Isles
Key Terms • • Sequent occupance Famine Constitutional monarchy Nationalized
History • Made up of two countries – United Kingdom(Great Britain) and the Republic of Ireland • Great Britain is made up of just four political regions – England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland • Groups that had an impact the British Isles – Celts, Romans, Anglos, Saxons
The British Empire • The surrounding ocean helped protect the kingdom. – Built a powerful navy to take further advantage of the sea. • Ireland did not win independence from the British until 1921. • Ireland suffered from a potato famine – 1 million Irish died – Famine, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities
Culture • Sports such as soccer, rugby, and cricket are popular • Ireland Britain are democracies. – Ireland • Republic, president is the head of state – Britain • Constitutional monarchy • King or queen is the head of state • Parliament led by a prime minister serves as the lawmaking branch
Culture • Vast majority of people in Ireland are Roman Catholic – Protestants make up a majority of the population in Northern Ireland the rest of the U. K. • Capitals – Dublin, Ireland – London, United Kingdom
Economy • The British had built the world’s first railroads – Led to the first subway system • Early industries included iron, steel, shipbuilding, and textiles. – They dominated global trade • U. K. nationalized businesses after World War II • The Irish economy traditionally was based on farming – Low taxes and a well-educated workforce have attracted foreign companies
Issues and Challenges • One of the greatest challenges facing the people of the British Isles is violence in Northern Ireland – Roman Catholics vs. Protestants • A 1998 agreement created a shared government between Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland.
Questions to Consider • What are some issues that the British Isles face? • What led to an increase in immigration in the 1900’s? • Why was it easy for Great Britain to dominate global trade?
- Slides: 9