Europe Today Chapter 7

The Tower Bridge

I. United Kingdom Great Britain – Largest island in Europe Most people mistakenly call all of the United Kingdom – England United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 80% of the population lives in England

A. Four Political Regions 1) England 2) Wales 3) Scotland 4) Northern Ireland London – Capital and most important city in Great Britain

B. National Government Has a constitutional monarchy Queen Elizabeth II – British monarchy who is a symbol of power Parliament – National lawmaking branch of government with the real power

Queen Elizabeth II

Big Ben & Parliament

C. Two Houses of Gov.t’ House of Lords – Made up of nobles who inherit their positions House of Commons – Elected representatives with the most power in Britain’s gov.t’ David Cameron – British Prime Minister who lead the government

David Cameron

Tony Blair at the House of Commons

D. Regional Governments Wales has its own capital, postage stamps, national flag, and language Want to keep their identity 20% - Of people in Wales speak Welsh as their first language 1999 – Both Scotland and Wales created their own parliaments

E. Northern Ireland Religious division has led to violence since 1500s Northern Ireland – Mostly Protestant Republic of Ireland – Mostly Catholics Both Protestants and Catholics have tried to use violence to win control Good Friday Accord – 1998 – Religious groups agreed to settle disputes without violence

F. Cultural Heritage William Shakespeare – Most influential playwright in history Great Britain has exported its culture to its former colonies around the world 1960s – Beatles and the Rolling Stones change music around the world

William Shakespeare

G. British Literature Mary Shelly – Frankenstein Charles Dickens – Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist, and A Christmas Carol J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter

Charles Dickens