Seminar 1

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The

republic of Ireland.

1. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. General information.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the UK, is a sovereign
country located off the northwest coast of mainland Europe. It comprises of four countries: England,
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

✓ Geography
The UK has an area of approximately 243,610 square kilometers and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean
to the west and the North Sea to the east. The country has a diverse geography that includes rolling
hills, mountains, coastal plains, and rivers. The highest point is Ben Nevis in Scotland, which stands at
1,345 meters (4,413 ft) tall.

✓ Climate
The climate in the UK is temperate, with mild winters and cool summers. The weather can be
changeable and is influenced by the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water from the Caribbean to the
UK, helping to keep the climate relatively mild. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, but it varies
from region to region, with the west and north of the country being wetter than the east and south.

✓ Population
The UK has an estimated population of around 68 million people, making it the fifth most populous
country in Europe. London is the largest city in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, with a
population of around 8 million people.

✓ national symbols
The UK has several national symbols, including the Union Flag (also known as the Union Jack), which
represents the four countries of the UK. Other symbols include the rose, thistle, and shamrock, which
represent England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively. The national animal is the lion, and the national
flower is the Tudor rose.

✓ Religion
Christianity is the largest religion in the UK, with around 59% of the population identifying as Christian.
Other religions, including Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, also have significant followings in the country.

✓ Languages
English is the official language of the UK and is spoken by the vast majority of the population. However,
there are also several other languages spoken in the country, including Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish
Gaelic.

2. The republic of Ireland.

General information.
Ireland also known as the Republic of Ireland is a country in north-western Europe consisting
of 26 of the 32 counties of the island of Ireland. The capital and largest city is Dublin, on the
eastern side of the island.
✓ Geography
The state extends over an area of about five-sixths (70,273 km2 or 27,133 sq mi) of the island of
Ireland (84,421 km2 or 32,595 sq mi), with Northern Ireland constituting the remainder. The
island is bounded to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the northeast by the North
Channel. To the east, the Irish Sea connects to the Atlantic Ocean via St George's Channel and
the Celtic Sea to the southwest.
The western landscape mostly consists of rugged cliffs, hills and mountains. The central
lowlands are extensively covered with glacial deposits of clay and sand, as well as significant
areas of bogland and several lakes. The highest point is Carrauntoohil (1,038.6 m or 3,407 ft),
located in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range in the southwest. River Shannon, which
traverses the central lowlands, is the longest river in Ireland at 386 kilometres or 240 miles in
length. The west coast is more rugged than the east, with numerous islands, peninsulas,
headlands and bays.
✓ Climate
The climate of Ireland is mild, humid and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of
temperature extremes. Ireland's climate is defined as a temperate oceanic climate.
Temperatures differ regionally, with central and eastern areas tending to be more extreme. The
highest temperature recorded in Ireland was 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) on 26 June 1887 at Kilkenny
Castle in Kilkenny, while the lowest temperature recorded was −19.1 °C (−2.4 °F) at Markree
Castle in Sligo.
Ireland normally gets between 1100 and 1600 hours of sunshine each year. The sunniest months
are May and June, The extreme southeast gets most sunshine, averaging over 7 hours a day in
early summer. December is the dullest month, with an average daily sunshine ranging from
about 1 hour in the north to almost 2 hours in the extreme southeast.
✓ population
The population of the Republic of Ireland was 5,123,536 people in 2022.
Although Ireland was invaded and colonized within historical times by Celts, Norsemen,
Normans, English, and Scots, there are no corresponding ethnic distinctions. Ireland has always
been known as a welcoming place, and diversity is not a phenomenon new to the country.
Ethnic and racial minorities make up about 12 percent of the population of Ireland—a proportion
that doubled in the first decade of the 21st century. Immigration from the rest of Europe, Africa,
and Asia has been significant since the last two decades of the 20th century.
✓ national symbols
· Coat of Arms: The coat of arms of Ireland features a golden harp with silver strings
on a blue background.
· National Emblem: The national emblem of Ireland is the harp, which has been used
as a symbol of the country for centuries.
· National Anthem: The national anthem of Ireland is "Amhrán na bhFiann" (The
Soldier's Song), which was written in Irish and adopted as the country's national anthem in
1926.
· Shamrock: The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland and is associated with St. Patrick,
the country's patron saint.
· Celtic Cross: The Celtic cross is a symbol of Ireland's Christian heritage and is often
found in graveyards and on religious sites throughout the country.
· Irish Wolfhound: The Irish Wolfhound is a breed of dog that has been recognized as
a symbol of Ireland since ancient times.
· Irish Flag: The Irish flag, also known as the "Erin Go Bragh" flag, features a green
field with a gold harp in the center.
✓ religion
The Celtic religion had a major influence on Ireland long before the adoption of Christianity in
the 5th century. Its precise rituals and beliefs remain somewhat obscure, but the names of
hundreds of Celtic gods have survived, and elements of the religion—particularly the cults of
Mary (an echo of Danu, the Earth Mother goddess whom the Celts worshiped) and St. Brigid
(one of Ireland’s patron saints) and several seasonal festivals—carried into the Christian period.
Since the conversion to Christianity, Roman Catholicism, with its ecclesiastical seat at Armagh
in Northern Ireland, has been the island’s principal religion. After the Reformation, Catholicism
became closely associated with Irish nationalism and resistance to British rule.
Today nearly four-fifths of the republic’s population is Roman Catholic, with small numbers of
other religious groups (including Church of Ireland Anglicans, Presbyterians, Methodists,
Muslims, and Jews). There is no officially established church in Ireland, and the freedoms of
conscience and religion are constitutionally guaranteed.
✓ Languages
Irish; English
The constitution provides that Irish be the first official language and English the second. All
official documents are published in both Irish and English. The modern Irish language, which is
very similar to Scottish Gaelic, was widely spoken up to the time of the Irish Potato Famine of
the 1840s and the subsequent emigrations. The use of Irish continued to decline even after 1922,
when the language was introduced into schools; despite its decline, Irish never ceased to exert a
strong influence on Irish consciousness. Although its use as a vernacular has decreased and is
concentrated in several small areas, Irish is more widely read, spoken, and understood today than
it had been during most of the 20th century. English is universally spoken.

3. Going back in history. The early days of Britain.

✓ the Celts
✓ the Roman age
✓ the Anglo- Saxon conquest of Britain
✓ Christianity
✓ the Viking invasion
4. Britain of the middle ages and the epoch of Renaissance.
✓ the Norman conquest
✓ the Hundred Years War
✓ the War of Roses
✓ the Protestant – Catholic Struggle
✓ Renaissance
5. New times of the United Kingdom.
✓ the Stuarts. The crown and parliament. The Stuart period in British history lasted
from 1603 to 1714 and was marked by significant political and social changes, particularly in
the relationship between the crown and parliament.At the beginning of the Stuart period, King
James I attempted to rule without the involvement of parliament and clashed with the House
of Commons over issues such as taxation and the authority of the monarch. This tension
between the crown and parliament continued throughout the reigns of James I's son, Charles I,
and his grandson, James II, and ultimately led to the English Civil War and the execution of
Charles I.Following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Charles II attempted to work
more closely with parliament, but tensions remained high, particularly over religious issues.
During the reign of James II, who was Catholic, concerns about the potential for a Catholic
monarchy led to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw James II deposed and replaced
by his daughter, Mary II, and her husband, William III. This event solidified the power of
parliament and the principle of parliamentary sovereignty in the British system of
government. Under the Stuarts, the relationship between the crown and parliament shifted
from one of absolute authority on the part of the monarch to one of greater cooperation and
balance of power.
 ✓ the first political parties
The first political parties in the United Kingdom emerged in the 18th century, during a
period known as the "New Times" or "Age of Enlightenment". At that time, politics in
Britain was dominated by two main parties: the Whigs and the Tories.

The Whig Party emerged in the late 17th century and was originally a loose coalition of
political groups opposed to the policies of King James II. They were generally associated
with support for religious toleration, parliamentary supremacy, and economic liberalism.

The Tory Party, on the other hand, was originally a group of political factions that
supported the Stuart monarchy and opposed the Whigs. They were generally associated
with support for the Anglican Church, the landed aristocracy, and a more conservative
approach to government.

Over time, the Whigs and Tories became more formalized political parties with distinct
ideologies and platforms. The Whigs became associated with support for constitutional
monarchy, individual liberties, and free trade, while the Tories were associated with
support for the monarchy, the Church of England, and the maintenance of the social
hierarchy.

These two parties dominated British politics for much of the 18th and 19th centuries, but
they were gradually replaced by new political parties such as the Liberal Party and the
Conservative Party in the 19th century.

the war with Napoleon

The war with Napoleon, also known as the Napoleonic Wars, was a series of conflicts
fought between France and a coalition of European powers, including the United Kingdom,
from 1803 to 1815.

During this period, Napoleon Bonaparte had risen to power in France and was seeking to
expand his empire across Europe. In response, the United Kingdom and other European
powers formed a coalition to resist French expansionism.

The war with Napoleon had a significant impact on the United Kingdom, both politically
and economically. The conflict led to a huge increase in government spending and taxation,
as the British government mobilized its resources to support the war effort. It also led to
significant changes in British society, including the growth of industry and the expansion of
the British Empire.

The war with Napoleon was fought on a number of fronts, including Spain, Portugal, and
Italy, but the most significant theatre of the conflict was on the European mainland, where
the British army fought alongside its allies against French forces. The war saw a number of
significant battles, including the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where the British navy defeated the
French navy in a decisive victory.

The war came to an end in 1815 with the Battle of Waterloo, where the British and their allies
finally defeated Napoleon's forces. The war had a lasting impact on European politics and helped
to shape the modern political landscape of the continent.
the age of power and prosperity

The Age of Power and Prosperity in the United Kingdom generally refers to the period of the
mid-19th century to the early 20th century, which was characterized by significant economic
growth and industrialization, as well as Britain's emergence as a global superpower.

During this period, the British economy grew rapidly, driven by the expansion of industry and
the growth of international trade. The country became a major exporter of manufactured goods,
and its ports and shipping industry played a crucial role in global commerce.

The Age of Power and Prosperity also saw significant political and social changes in the United
Kingdom. The country became a constitutional monarchy with a system of parliamentary
democracy, with the power of the monarch being largely symbolic. Political reform movements,
such as the Chartist movement, campaigned for greater political representation and social justice.

The Victorian era, which spanned from 1837 to 1901, is often seen as a defining period of the
Age of Power and Prosperity. It was characterized by a sense of optimism and confidence in
British society, as well as significant cultural and scientific developments.

However, it's worth noting that this period of prosperity was not enjoyed by all in the United
Kingdom. The benefits of industrialization and economic growth were unevenly distributed, and
many working-class people lived in poverty and faced difficult working conditions. Social and
political tensions also emerged, leading to movements for reform and revolution.

Nonetheless, the Age of Power and Prosperity marked a significant period of British history, and
its legacy can still be seen in the country's economic, political, and cultural institutions today.

the UK in the 20th century

The United Kingdom played a significant role in shaping the 20th century, both domestically and
internationally. Here are some key events and trends that characterized the UK in this period:

1. World War I: The UK played a major role in the First World War, which lasted from 1914
to 1918. The country contributed millions of troops to the war effort, and its navy played a
crucial role in protecting vital supply lines.
2. Interwar period: Following World War I, the UK faced significant economic and social
challenges. The country experienced a period of economic stagnation and high
unemployment, and tensions between different social and political groups emerged.
3. World War II: The UK played a critical role in the Second World War, which lasted from
1939 to 1945. The country stood alone against Nazi Germany in the early years of the war,
and its resilience and determination played a key role in the eventual Allied victory.
4. Welfare state: Following World War II, the UK experienced significant social and political
change. The Labour government, which came to power in 1945, introduced a range of
social welfare policies, including the creation of the National Health Service (NHS).
5. Decline of empire: In the mid-20th century, the UK began to face significant challenges to
its global power and influence. The country gradually relinquished control over many of its
colonies and dependencies, leading to the decline of the British Empire.
 6. Thatcherism: The Conservative government led by Margaret Thatcher, which came to
power in 1979, introduced a range of policies aimed at reducing the role of the state and
promoting individual enterprise. These policies, collectively known as Thatcherism, had a
profound impact on British society and politics.
7. Northern Ireland Troubles: In the latter half of the 20th century, Northern Ireland
experienced a period of sectarian violence and political unrest, known as the Troubles. The
UK government played a key role in efforts to resolve the conflict, which ultimately led to
the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
8. European integration: The UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC), the
predecessor to the European Union (EU), in 1973. However, the country's relationship with
the EU was often fraught with tension, and in 2016, the UK voted to leave the EU in a
referendum.
Overall, the 20th century was a period of significant change and transformation for the UK, with
a range of social, economic, and political challenges and opportunities. The legacy of this period
can still be seen in many aspects of British society and politics today.

✓ the loss of empire. The British Commonwealth of Nations.

The loss of the British Empire was a major event in the history of the United Kingdom in the
mid-20th century. After World War II, a number of factors led to the gradual dismantling of the
British Empire and the formation of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

One of the key factors was the rising tide of nationalism and anti-colonialism in many parts of
the world. Countries that had been under British rule for decades or even centuries began to
demand greater independence and self-determination. India, for example, gained independence
from the UK in 1947, followed by many other former colonies in the following decades.

Another factor was the changing geopolitical landscape in the postwar era. The United States and
the Soviet Union emerged as the dominant superpowers, and the UK found itself increasingly
unable to maintain its global position of influence.

In response to these developments, the UK began to pursue a policy of decolonization, granting

independence to many of its colonies and dependencies. This process was often contentious and
sometimes violent, as nationalist movements clashed with colonial authorities.

As the British Empire began to shrink, the UK also began to form a new organization to maintain
ties with its former colonies and dependencies. In 1949, the British Commonwealth of Nations
was established, with the UK as a member alongside other former British territories such as
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, the Commonwealth has grown to include 54
member countries, many of which maintain close ties with the UK.

While the loss of the British Empire was a difficult and sometimes painful process for the UK,
the formation of the Commonwealth helped to maintain some continuity in its relationships with
former colonies and dependencies. The legacy of the British Empire, both positive and negative,
continues to shape the history and identity of many countries around the world.

✓ the royal family

The Royal Family is an important institution in the United Kingdom and has played a significant
role in British history and culture for centuries. Today, the British monarchy is a constitutional
monarchy, meaning that the monarch has a largely ceremonial role and executive power is held
by elected officials.

The current monarch is Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne in 1952. During her
reign, she has become one of the longest-reigning monarchs in British history and has presided
over a period of significant change in the UK.

The Royal Family performs a range of official duties and engagements, including state visits,
ceremonies, and charitable work. Members of the Royal Family also serve as patrons and
supporters of a wide range of organizations and causes, from conservation and the environment
to education and health.

The Royal Family also attracts significant public attention and interest, with events such as royal
weddings and births drawing global media coverage. While the Royal Family is generally well-
regarded in the UK, it has also faced criticism and controversy at times, particularly around
issues such as personal scandals and the cost of royal finances.

Overall, the Royal Family remains an important and influential institution in the UK, with a long
and storied history that continues to evolve in response to changing social, cultural, and political
contexts.

6. Contemporary Britain.
7. British literature.
British literature refers to the body of literary works created by writers from the United Kingdom and its
former colonies. It has a rich and diverse history, spanning over a thousand years and includes works
from some of the most celebrated writers in the world.

The earliest forms of British literature were composed in Old English and Middle English, including works
such as Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales. The Renaissance period saw the emergence of great writers
like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson, whose plays are still performed and
studied today. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the rise of the novel, with authors like Jane Austen,
Charles Dickens, and the Bronte sisters becoming household names.

In the 20th century, British literature continued to thrive, with writers such as Virginia Woolf, George
Orwell, and J.R.R. Tolkien creating works that have become classics. More recent writers like Salman
Rushdie, Zadie Smith, and Kazuo Ishiguro have also gained international acclaim for their works.

Overall, British literature has made significant contributions to the literary canon, with works that span
genres, styles, and time periods.
8. Places of interest.