Question

Describe the process of Unification of Britain.

Answer 1

The formation of the British nation state was a long-drawn-out process. Prior to the eighteenth century, the identity of the inhabitants of the British isles was steeped in ethnicity with separate political and cultural traditions of each ethnic group. Among these, the English people steadily gained power and wealth and were gradually able to exert influence over other groups. The English parliament became the instrument of the formation of the nation state with England at its centre. The Act of Union between England and Scotland resulted in the formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. The British parliament was dominated by the English while Scottish influence was gradually eroded. Similar situation arose in Ireland where the English helped the protestants to establish dominance over a large Catholic country. This led to several revolts, notably by Wolfe Tone and his United Irishmen. Ireland became a part of the United Kingdom in 1801. British symbols like flag and anthem were promoted while the older nations were reduced to being subordinate partners in the arrangement.