Question

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

Answer 1

The formation of the nation-state – Britain was a strange case. The formation of Britain was not due to revolution or sudden upheaval that was found in other countries of Europe. The process was long-drawn-out.

• Before the 18th century there was no British nation.
• The ethnic identities of people who inhabited the British Isles were Scot, English, Irish, Welsh.
• Each of these ethnic groups had their own political and cultural traditions.
• English nation was able to extend its influence over other nations of the islands, with the steady growth in power, importance and wealth of the English nation.
• A nation-state was forged with England at its centre, and the main instrument behind it was the Parliament which had seized power through protracted conflict with the monarchy in 1688.

Scotland – Subjugation of Culture by England

• England was able to impose its influence on Scotland through the Act of Union (1707). This Act was between Scotland and England, resulting in the formation of the ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain.
• After this act, English members dominated the British Parliament.
• Scotland’s distinctive political institutions and culture were systematically suppressed with the growth of British identity.
• The Scottish Highlanders were forcibly driven out of their homeland.
• The Scottish Highlanders were prohibited from wearing their national dress.
• The Scottish Highlanders were forbidden from speaking their Gaelic language.
• Terrible repression was faced by the Catholic clans whenever they asserted independence. They were inhabitants of the Scottish Highlands.

Subjugation of Ireland by England

• Even Ireland had to face a fate similar to the one faced by Scotland.
• Ireland was deeply divided by protestants and catholics.
• Ireland was largely a Catholic Country. But Protestants of Ireland received help from the English to dominate the Catholics.
• British dominance helped in suppressing the revolts of the Catholics.
• Incorporation of Ireland into the United Kingdom was done forcibly in 1801, after the revolt by United Irishmen (1798) led by Wolfe Tone failed.

British Nation – Promotion of New Symbols

• Through the propagation of a dominant English culture, a new ‘British nation’ was created.
• The older nations were reduced as subordinate partners in the new union.
• The symbols of New Britain were actively promoted.
• The English language, God Save Our Noble King (The National Anthem), Union Jack (The British Flag) was promoted by relegating the symbols of other nations.