The United Kingdom

1
The United Kingdom History and GovernmentThe
United Kingdom is a union of 4 small
countries-England-Scotland-Walesand-Northern
Ireland
2
The United Kingdom History and Government

• Most British/English are descended from
• the Celts.
• Other major groups to come to Britain were the
  Anglos and the Saxonsalong with Vikings and
  Normans.
• The British have a powerful military
  historyespecially the navy.
• By 1900, the British Empire covered nearly
  one-fourth of the worlds total land area! It
  has since declined.

3
The United Kingdom History and Government

• Great Britain played and is still playing a large
  role in many conflicts throughout
  historyincluding both World Wars.
• The UK is a major US ally in the war on terror.

4
The United Kingdom History and Government

• Now the UK has a constitutional monarchyit still
  has a king or a queen but Parliament and the
  Prime Minister make the laws.
• Scotland and Wales now have more control locally
  and may one day seek independence
• from the UK.
• Violence in Northern Ireland, stemming from
  religious differences, has plagued the UK for
  years.

Scottish Parliament Building
5
English Culture

• The Church of England is the countrys official
  churchalthough many citizens belong to other
  churches or faiths.
• British music and literature are famous around
  the worldperhaps the most famous British writer
  (among many) is William Shakespeare.
• British music has produced groups like the
  Beatles, Coldplay, and many others.

Westminster Abbey
6
The Republic of Ireland History and Government

• Natives are descendants of the Celts.
• The Irish and the English have a history of
  political problemsbecause of religious
  differences and power struggles.
• Many Irish emigrated to the US in the 1840s
  because of a poor economy and a devastating
  potato famine.
• Ireland now has an independent government with an
  elected president
• and parliament.

7
The Republic of Ireland History and Government

• The Celts left their mark on Irish
  cultureespecially in the language. Most speak
  English, but Irish Gaelic is also an official
  language.
• Folk music and dancing are important to Irish
  culture.
• Modern bands include U2 and the Cranberries.
• More than 90 percent of Irish are Catholic.
• St. Patricks Day is a national holiday.

St. Patricks Cathedral in Dublin