Question

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

Answer 1

Instructions:
This is a 5 marks question. There should be at least 5 points here. Mention Britain's state before the 18th century and the separate identities of the English, Scots, Welsh, and Irish. Talk about how slowly England gained power and established itself as a nation state and the seizing of power from the monarchy. Mention the Act of Union and talk about how the English would still dominate the parliament. Finally mention how Ireland came into the fold, thereby forming the British nation.

Solution:

• Britain, before the 18th century, was not a nation-state. The primary identity was still in conflict as the British were still divided as a nation of the English, Scots, Welsh, and Irish.
• However, with the growth of the power of the English, they consequently came to dominate the other nations and islands.
• This situation came to a head when in 1688, England established itself as a nation-state and the English parliament seized power from the monarchy.
• In 1707, the United Kingdom was formed with the Act of Union between England and Scotland.
• England started dominating Scotland and Ireland in all socio-political and cultural spheres. This was evinced by the fact that the British parliament was dominated by English members.
• Ireland was taken by the British after a failed revolution led by Wolfe Tone and his United Irishmen in 1798. With this, a new ‘British Nation’ was finally formed.