Question

How was the history of nationalism in Britain unlike the rest of Europe?

Answer 1

The history of nationalism in Britain unlike the rest of Europe because:

• In Britain the formation of the nation-state was not the result of a sudden upheaval or revolution.
• The primary identities of the people who inhabited the British Isles were ethnic ones - such as English, Welsh, Scot or Irish.
• The Act of Union (1707) between England and Scotland resulted in the formation of the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain' meant that England was able to impose its influence on Scotland. Scotland's distinctive culture and political institutions were systematically suppressed.
• The Scottish Highlanders were forbidden to speak their Gaelic language or wear their national dress and large numbers were forcibly driven out of their homeland.
• The English helped the Protestants of Ireland to establish their dominance over a largely Catholic country. Catholic revolts against British dominance were suppressed. Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801.
• The symbols of the new Britain - the British flag, the national anthem, the English language were actively promoted and the older nations survived only as subordinate partners in this union.