British Isles – Ireland and United Kingdom

England Vs. Great Britain (Scotland, England Wales) Vs. United Kingdom (Scotland, England, Wales (AKA Great Britain) and Northern Ireland)

Early History Sequent Occupance – Settlement by successive groups, each creating their own distinct culture Celts, Scots, Welsh, Irish, Romans, Angles and Saxons (Germanic Tribes), Vikings, Normans (early French) have all occupied the British Isles.

British Empire Why? 1. Oceans Protected the United Kingdom Last invasion by the Normans in Strong Navy to control colonies

British Colonies Why colonies? 1.Natural Resources = MONEY! - $$$$$ How? Colonies to U.K. -> raw materials (cotton) U.K. to Colonies -> Finished goods (clothes) Legacies? Wealth of Britain, Spread of British law, English language, sports, culture

Legacy - English – Lingua Franca of World

Irish History - Britain “little brother” Key Event --- Irish Potato Famine The “Irish,” or white potato actually originated in South America. Spanish explorers brought it to Europe in the 1500s. By the end of the 1700s, it was a major European crop. The Irish came to depend on the high nutritional properties of the potato for good health. The potato was also vital to the Irish economy. The potato was eaten at almost every meal and was approximately 75% of the Irish diet. As a result, when a plant disease called blight ruined Ireland’s potato crop, starvation and economic crisis were almost inevitable. The disaster made clear the danger of depending on the potato or any other single crop for many nutritional needs. When crops are crucial to the United States? When would we do if these crops were destroyed by disease or weather disasters?

Two Choices – Starve or Leave Potato BLIGHT! INEDIBLE potatoes

Who has Irish ancestors?

United Kingdom vs. Ireland United Kingdom 1. Constitutional monarchy King/Queen & Prime Minister 2. Protestant (Religion) Both 1. Sports (soccer, rugby, cricket) 2English Language 3. Democracies 4. Capitals are largest cities and cultural centers -London – U.K. -Dublin – Ireland Ireland 1 Republic – president 2. Catholic (religion)

Economy Industrial Revolution began in Britain Coal, iron 1 st railroads and 1 st subways in Britain Colonial Era Britain dominated world trade British economy remains strong – high tech industry, services and tourism

Irish Independence Anglo-Irish Treaty, Ended British rule in most of Ireland and established the Irish Free State. However, six northern counties would remain within the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland.

Issue Today -“Troubles” in Northern Ireland Catholic Minority vs. Protestant Majority