The British IslesNorthern EuropeWestern Europe
Mediterranean EuropeBaltic States
Central Europe
The BalkansEastern Europe
Two Islands:Britain
Ireland
Two Nations:United Kingdom
Ireland
United Kingdom:England
Scotland*
Wales
Northern Ireland
Isle of Man*
Climate
Marine West Coast:
Humid, moist Climate that is moderated by warm ocean
currents
Historical Geography• Pagan tribes were settled in the British Isles prior to the Roman arrival in the 1st century BCE. Romans remained for about 5 centuries (remnants include Hadrians Wall).
•Angles and Saxons settled as the Romans departed, followed by Nordic tribes (Vikings) in the 9th century, who plundered the Christian churches in the area.
•England gets its name from the Angles or Engles, which were Germanic tribes from the Mainland.
•Ireland was less affected by the AngloSaxons and Nordic tribes
•Ireland retained its Gaelic heritage.
•Most Irish were converted to Roman Catholicism in the 5th and 6th centuries (recall St. Patrick)
The Channel Tunnel
“Chunnel”Connects the U.K. with France
Opened: May 6, 1994Trains carry people and carsCrosses the English Channel 50.4 kilometers long
British Empire Grew in strength during the
Middle Ages World Conquests: to the
Americas, Africa, South Asia (India), SE Asia, Australia, South Pacific.
The British built colonies in every part of the world.
Empire declined in the 20th century, after World War II.
Colonies too expensive to maintain Colonies demanded independence
Modern Great Britain Capital City: London Major Cities: Birmingham,
Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Manchester
Currency: Pound Sterling(£) Government: Constitutional
Monarchy Governing Assembly: Parliament Main Religion:
Christian/Protestant–Anglican Economy: 5th largest in the world
Ireland Capital City: Dublin Major Cities: Cork, Galway Currency: Euro(€) Religion: Christian/Roman Catholic Historic Events:
Irish Potato Famine (1845-1852) Over 1 million died Over 1 million emigrated to other countriesIrish Home Rule (1921) Independence
ScotlandScotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom.
Occupies the northern third of the island of Great Britain,
Shares a border with England to the south & is bounded by the North Sea
Vote for independence failed in 2014
Population: 5.295 million (2011)
Capital: Edinburgh
National animal: Unicorn
Official language: Scottish EnglishPlaid: Pattern and colors represents a clan/family
WalesPopulation: 3.064,456 Capital: CardiffNational animal: Welsh DragonOfficial languages: Welsh, English
A country that is part of the United Kingdom.Known for its rugged coastline, distinctive language and Celtic culture.
Isle of ManThe Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency.
Small island located between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland
No plans to become independent
Population: 80,058
Capital: Douglas
Language: Manx, English
REVIEW QUIZ E1
Write the best answers to the following questions.
Use your notes for help.
REVIEW QUIZ E1
1 The United Kingdom’s currency is:
(include the symbol)
REVIEW QUIZ E1
2 The best example of a push factor in today’s notes is:
REVIEW QUIZ E1
3 In Scotland, Plaid represents what?
REVIEW QUIZ E1
4 Name the National
Animal of Scotland:
REVIEW QUIZ E1
5 Identify two reasons the British Empire declined after World War II?