Question

How was the history of nationalism in britain differ from the rest of europe?

Answer 1

History of nationalism in Britain was different due to following reasons:

(i) No revolution:

While in France, nationalism was developed through revolutions, in Britain it was the result of a long drawn out process.

(ii) English parliament:

While other European countries like Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, etc. had to wage wars either to gain independence or to unify their countries; in Britain, this objective was accomplished through Parliamentary acts.

(iii) Suppression:

The British Parliament was dominated by its English members. They tried to suppress Scotland's distinctive culture and also forced them to speak English language in place of Gaelic language and they were not even allowed to wear their national dress.

(iv) English culture:

A new 'British Nation' was formed through the propagation of a dominant English culture. The symbols of new Britain were, the British flag (Union Jack), their national anthem and the English language. Older nation's culture was subdued under the English culture.

Answer 2

Answer:

The history of nationalism in Britain was unlike the rest of Europe because:

In Britain, the formation of the nation-state was not the result of a sudden upheaval or revolution.

The primary identities of the people who inhabited the British Isles were ethnic ones - such as English, Welsh, Scot or Irish.

The English parliament, which had seized power from the monarchy in 1688 at the end of a protracted conflict, was the instrument through which a nation state, with England at its centre, came to be forged.

The Act of Union (1707) between England and Scotland resulted in the formation of the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain' meant that England was able to impose its influence on Scotland. Scotland's distinctive culture and political institutions were systematically suppressed.

The Scottish Highlanders were forbidden to speak their Gaelic language or wear their national dress and large numbers were forcibly driven out of their homeland.

The English helped the Protestants of Ireland to establish their dominance over a largely Catholic country. Catholic revolts against British dominance were suppressed. Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the United Kingdom in 1801.

The symbols of the new Britain - the British flag, the national anthem, the English language were actively promoted and the older nations survived only as subordinate partners in this union.