American Reacts to Difference Between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England Explained

Hi! I'm an American on a quest to learn more about history, geography, and the universe around us. Today I'm learning about the difference between the UK, Great Britain, and England. As an American, I'm totally clueless when it comes to which countries make up what. So here's to learning the geography of the UK (or Britain)! Also, what's the deal with Ireland?
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#uk #unitedkingdom #britain #greatbritain #england #scotland #wales #ireland #northernireland #europe #britishisles #britishempire

[@SoGal_YT]

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[@mrk8050]

All you really need to know is that we are four separate countries that are united as one, mainly for financial and defensive reasons. This really dates all the way back to 1066 and the invasion of the Normans under William, the Duke of Normandy or William the Bastard as he was born to his fathers mistress. Lady Godiva (in Old English Godgifu) died between 1066 and 1086, was an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who is relatively well documented as the wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia, which was a Kingdom in England at the time. And yes, it is somewhat similar to the state in the U.S. Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England all share the same laws, currency, and of course the Crown. However Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have their own Parliament's that can make provincial laws and run their Police, Health and School's more to their own preferences. Now, Northern Ireland is separate from the rest of Ireland (Republic of Ireland) because of religion mainly. Ireland being Catholic and Northern Ireland being Protestant, but this all really started in the 12th Century with the Norman conquest of Ireland and many revolts and bloody put downs over the next several hundred years, and they have been separate since 1921. Sadly the bloodshed continued in Northern Ireland until 1998. All the Islands that are scattered around Great Britain are part or Scotland in the north, Wales in the west and England making them all part of the British Isles. Just off Normandy in France there are the Channel Islands in the stretch of water known as the English Channel, off the French coast of Normandy. They include two Crown (United Kingdom) dependencies, the Bailiwick of Jersey, and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, consisting of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm. Add to this, the Isle of Man and Gibraltar an outpost that was ceded by Spain to the British in 1713. Her Majesty the Queen, is the head of the Church of England which is Protestant, this dates back to Henry the Eight around 1540 when he broke with the Catholic Church so he could get a divorce and marry Anne Boleyn (who was the mother of Elizabeth the First, and the founder of the British Empire). Her Majesty the Queen (current monarch) is the Supreme Governor of the Church, and then comes the Arch Bishop of Canterbury as the most senior cleric, currently Archbishop Justin Welby. The reason for Her Majesty being on other countries money is out of their choice to maintain close relations with not just the United Kingdom, but more importantly the Crown. These countries are part of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Head of the Commonwealth is currently Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting appointed Charles, Prince of Wales to be her designated successor, even though many member nations have their own Royal families. To be a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, you would have had to have once been part of the Empire. Here's a fun fact for you, the indigenous Hawaiian's held a referendum a little while ago, which stated they actually would prefer to be part of the Commonwealth of Nations and not a State of the U.S., that is why there is still a Union Flag in the top left of of the State Flag still. Her Majesty is the Queen of the United Kingdom, but has no political power. However Her Majesty is, with the rest of the Royal Family, the best Ambassadors the United Kingdom has and brings in trillions of pounds in trade and other ways, yearly. The British Empire now longer exists, however the Crown Colonies choose to keep close ties to England. And as they have requested it, they remain British Overseas Territories. The most important thing to remember is this, English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish all hate each other. But if you come at one of us, you'll get us all coming back at you.

[@SaorAlba1970]

don't worry the UK will soon cease to exist as we (Scotland) will be leaving oor place is in the EU and we do not share the same laws we have always had our own laws from the rest of the UK

[@mrk8050]

@@SaorAlba1970 Scotland had a 2014 independence referendum on whether to remain as part of the U.K., the vote was 55.3% stay. Even with all the lies that Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon told about how wonderful it would be to enter the E.U., what they never mentioned was what would actually happen. First Scotland would have to reapply to join the EU, if lucky it would take at least 5 years, if ever. However, due to the sudden halving of the Scottish economy, the E.U. would automatically say no. Scotland's economy is currently underwritten by the Bank of England, which when you compare how much the Scottish average person gets £1.80 when a person in England gets £1.00. Then you have to add at least 1 million people to to population owing to the fact they would have to move back to Scotland, from the rest of the U.K., to be issued with a Scottish passport before they would be able to apply for a visa to return to their jobs in the U.K. (and yes there would still be a United Kingdom), that's if those jobs were still there fore them. So your economy has been slashed in half and you now have well over a million unemployed people who need to be housed, and don't forget all the businesses that would leave Scotland because all their exports rely on United Kingdom trade deals, not just with Europe but the rest of the Globe. But on the upside, unemployment in what would be left in the U.K. would be almost non existent. So, if your premise were write. Scotland would have no unemployment benefit for at least a million people, no health system, schools, police, law (and yes, other than a couple of little things, it's the same law throughout the U.K.), military, no trade deals or trading partners, and nothing to trade. And before you say North Sea Oil and Gas, well the rigs and refineries are owned by private company's, and before the 2014 referendum, those company's stated that it would be cheaper and easier to move there operation's just south of the border. Also all British Military bases would be moved south, so all the local businesses that rely on the Military bases would be bankrupted. And then, something close to my heart, all the brave and proud Scots who have served in the British military, they would no longer be able to serve the Queen. And I have fought along side these Scots, and I have rarely served with such brave and honourable men and women in my 36 year military carrier. Lets just go over the basics, over a million unemployed and god knows how many homeless, no actual manufacturing or trading partners, no coherent national infrastructure (i.e. Schools, Hospitals or any government services), and a non existent economy. So, the E.U. would look at Scotland's application and see that they would have to financially carry Scotland and devise a way to help you out of a financial black hole, hmmm, the answer would be a big no. The E.U. are already carrying Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and the Republic of Ireland as it is, so the last thing they would vote yes to having to carry another financial sink hole.

[@SaorAlba1970]

@@mrk8050 so you wanna talk lies NO side broke Edinburgh Agreement 4 times the last time was with the vow where near federalism and guaranteed EU citizenship was promised .... among other promises without the vow Scotland would already be Independent and back in the EU .... EU leaders have promised fast track membership back into the EU ... North sea oil and gas rigs are under lease to those companies to extract oil and gas from UK waters when we leave those companies will have reapply for new leases as the waters will now be Scotland's maritime waters .... companies just can't come into a sovereign countries maritime waters without a lease. We don't want your bases in Scotland we will have our own army, navy and Airforce like every other country not 1 single surface ship in Scotland 4 euro fighters stationed in Scotland .... Scotland will be much better protected than we are now it wouldn't be hard really .... i think you'll find Scotland was a net contribute to the EU as well as the UK we give you £65 billion in taxes and we receive £32 billion back to run Scotland then have the cheek to claim Scotland has a deficit .... Scotland voted 62% to remain the EU ... our views were totally ignored you brought it on yourselves 58% and growing support Scottish Independence you have proven England to be deceitful, Dishonourable and liars the bulk of our exports leave from English ports and airports and London has the cheek to class them as Scotland's exports to England and when they leave English ports and airports they are classed as English exports and you do realise Scotland has some of the largest banks in the world like RBS .... RBS knows if they go through with Their threats they will lose the core of their business (Scotland) people will leave them in droves and RBS has £1.5 trillion in Assets

[@steveg59]

The easiest way to remember Britain that I find is that we are just above France and they have Brittany and they named us Great(er) Britain as an extension of that Northern region.A bit clumsy I know but it works for me!!

[@charlottemartin4715]

“I didn’t know the monarchy was connected to the church!” Wait till she finds out about Henry the Eighth creating the Church of England just to get a divorce 🤣🤣

[@Nathan-ux1bb]

😂😂😂

[@Bridgejunky2]

Just to get an annulment actually. 🙂

[@ianprince1698]

but the church of England is not hot on divorce, in the royal court divorcees were not allowed until recently

[@IanSparksRC]

😂😂😂

[@seanstanley-adams6511]

Or the Bishops who occupy seats in the House of Lords ( our equivalent of the US Senate ... sort of).

[@user-pg9sw2td7w]

“I don’t understand while Northern Ireland and not Ireland is part of the UK” Can of worms.

[@ianprince1698]

precisely. the English crown regarded supporting the Roman Catholic Church as HIGH TREASON but the people of Ireland remained loyal to the catholic church this continued under the commonwealth of Oliver Cromwell

[@duckwhistle]

@@ianprince1698 Ireland largly escaped the persecution and religious opression caused by the back and forth between protestant and Catholic monarchs, and they've been paying for it ever since.

[@stevethomas5849]

The British Empire has evolved into the The Commweath of Nations. Simply known as The Commweath. The Commweath Games (similar to the Olympic games) held ever 4 years is known as the Friendly Games.

[@ianprince1698]

@Carl Yelland and after britex its a most complicated divorce ever but we keep mostly custody of northern Ireland the supporters of an independent Ireland will say that they are Irish, but the unionist will say they are British can of worms is an apt description, I believe anyone born on the island can get Irish citizenship

[@petermontgomery8707]

@@ianprince1698 I was born in England to a father born in Belfast.I’m eligible for an Irish passport

[@LeeTheKnight]

She said "Gibraltar, a city in Spain" TO WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!!

[@daveabboabley6819]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@polipolimaui]

Haha to be fair the guy in the video put that horrendous treasonous idea in her head ;-)

[@seanstanley-adams6511]

Google The Treaty of Utrecht - spoils of war. Yes

[@SlowLane-pv3nf]

@@polipolimaui also she talked over the info, rewound then talked over it again 😂

[@Anson_AKB]

@@SlowLane-pv3nf with the speed he talks and the amount of info in such a short video, it's hard to completely hear everything and even more difficult to understand and learn all details. thus pausing often is quite understandable, and was even done not enough, especially when also adding her own comments.

[@betamax1828]

"1000 years is that all?" Bold coming from a 200 year old country

[@k.locku2244]

@@brianwareham2933 brilliant ... we also invented time . To try and stop them in what they call friendly fire . In which the rest of the world call suicide or murder.

[@k.locku2244]

@@brianwareham2933TBH it was said with tongue in cheek . And I whole heartedly agree, no punishment could mend the devastation . It was not my intention too condemn. I was once told working along side a group of American Electricians wtf is it with you brits & time . When they arrived late simply because the hadnt adjusted their clocks to BST. & blamed us in a rant of expletives, trying to justify arriving late and not accepting blame . That was my reply . It shut them up apart from the more foul mouthed abuse as they walked away . They approached me later on and did apologise . I replied with you should mind your gobs , careful or next time it might be the chef you piss off , Oh & a lesson learnt the toes you trod on this morning are the ones attached to the foot that kicked you up the arse this afternoon . They fell about laughing . And openly admitted they struggled a bit with our British humour .

[@k.locku2244]

@@brianwareham2933 I strongly believe they are still pissed to find out that their great war of independence was barely a scuffle at kicking out time , Our interest was in India and with france at the time .. I honestly don't think they liked the idea that Britain had left early heading straight into india leaving some of our guys to sort out a grumbling yank or two. Whilst throwing a much bigger army out of a war to get into one . ! I dont think it sits well with them, still today . But hey time will tell ..LOL. If you lay a road the traffic will come ...

[@k.locku2244]

@@brianwareham2933 nearly forgot my manners ..much respect to you also sir . . For your bit and all your brothers in arms .

[@smistgoman]

@@k.locku2244 you unlike most yanks know ya history

[@stefanalee]

I’m born n bread British and what I can say I’m thankful for is my family is from Montserrat, a British Colony. When the volcano kicked off on the Soufrière Hills in ‘97 and all the other countries just stood around watching, the UK flew in and rescued a whole heap of people (who wanted rescuing), took them to the UK and gave them a place to live, including my Grandmother so there is something Great about the crown... 🇲🇸

[@glenmiller272]

And we are about to do the same for hong kong.....

[@frankie7529]

@@glenmiller272 yes that's right. And whilst we don't want loads of migrants turning up uninvited, we will welcome half a million people from Hong Kong if they would rather live in Britain than under Chinese oppression.

[@queeny5613]

@@frankie7529 I hate to say this but the very obvious reason why is that we would be stupid not to accept half a million basically highly educated ready to work people into our work force. I'm all for welcoming people in but from the government and economic perspective which now is more profitable

[@davidmacgregor5193]

@@glenmiller272 Hong Kong's citizens have been coming to live in the UK for decades, all the Chinese restaurants and take-aways in the UK were founded by people from Hong Kong, not Communist China.

[@jacearnold4093]

Who are English people ?

[@charlescurren674]

in short. we are English Scottish Welsh or Northern Irish - until someone wants to start a fight and then we all stick together and become "British"

[@alexpaul9407]

I like this it's quite true. We tend to like having our own islands secure of outside influences and keep influences between ourselves passing culture between eachother and stuff. Just us English get a bit warmongery sometimes and want to start an empire and Scotland Wales and Ireland get sick of us after a while.

[@Tulkas219]

Charles Curren - Unless like me you are from one of the Crown Dependencies (Guernsey). I'm none of those and yet still British. But you are right about sticking together in adversity.

[@smoothie9931]

@@Tulkas219 I guess you can also say British if you are from Gibraltar or the Falkland Islands? Not sure though

[@jukeseyable]

You mean the English want to start a fight

[@davidwilkin1202]

Pretty much😁... oops just saw the last comment... was replying to the first!!😂

[@ian-checkmyaboutsection3961]

The UK is like 4 siblings on constant rivalry with each other. With one siblings they're above all others. Yet despite the tense friendship. They are always there for each other and need each other.

[@juanmakbfxf6433]

That’s acc such a cute and accurate way to see it

[@Tractorboy98an99]

Absolutely.

[@perthyn1]

Rubbish

[@c_n_b]

@@perthyn1 Shut up, bro 😙

[@danielwarren7110]

very good analogy... older sibling hated by younger siblings because they feel it is spoilt. but cross one member of the family and you need to deal with all the family. and all the other areas where you can be British from are other members of the family who stay away from the four siblings bickering.

[@Jimdixon1953]

“God however, not wanting to be concerned by micromanagement” 🤣🤣🤣

[@hananabanana7955]

didn't you know? God was an accountant 1000 years ago

[@kevinshort3943]

"Oh my gosh, you guys still own all of that?!" What you really mean is "you guys have to pay to look after all of that".

[@alexpaul9407]

This hurts

[@mumflrpumble9107]

Worth it for holidays

[@kdog4587]

Meow

[@ADUUM_]

@@kdog4587 woof

[@EternalAnglo]

"I feel like the British Empire is kinda still around today" She's onto us boys!

[@danep8553]

Still alive and kicking. Largely financial nowadays though. City of London corporation.

[@TheBeardMachine]

Grab the tea, let's run!

[@billgrisenthwaite3874]

we just changed the name and hoped nobody would notice

[@Frame-hb8jb]

Grab the guns boys we’ve been unmasked

[@danep8553]

Even the EU utilise the City. Their banks clear £670 Trillion a year through London banks. Those offshore overseas territories sure come in useful.

[@darrena5384]

Those small islands in the British Isles aren’t part of “Great Britain” because Great Britain is the largest island of the British isles.

[@HighHoeKermit]

Just remember Great Britain is the geographical name of the actual island, hence the little islands not being part of it. The whole collection is the British Isles.

[@mihohobaba]

.... except try saying to someone from the Republic of Ireland that the island of Ireland is part of the British isles. See what sort of reaction you get to that! :)

[@danieltagg88]

@@mihohobaba Ireland is an island in the British isles. Northern Ireland is part of the UK but the Republic of Ireland is its own Sovereign state. It’s just like saying France is part of the continent of Europe. Just because the word British is used doesn’t mean the Republic of Ireland has anything to do with Sovereign state of the UK

[@mihohobaba]

@@danieltagg88 I know that, but try telling the average Irish person that Ireland is part of the British isles! That was my point.

[@danieltagg88]

@@mihohobaba but it’s like saying try telling New Zealander’s they aren’t part of Australasia. Nothing you can do about it. The island of Ireland is part of the British isles, and the British isles are part of the continent of Europe.

[@danieltagg88]

@@mihohobaba they are all collectively part of the British isles

[@keithorbell8946]

We don’t secretly laugh at those who use the terms incorrectly, we either sigh in a resigned way, with a slight shake of the head, aggressively correct the person who misspoke, or laugh in their faces.

[@cutthr0atjake]

Scotland & Wales dont mind being called British. They object to being called English.

[@keithevans9544]

I'm Welsh and don't mind if they mean I live on the island of Britain,the Victorian affectation and union jack waving nonsense has sweet FA to do with me!

[@weefish12]

Your wrong about them being british they hate it.

[@ayeready6050]

@@weefish12In Scotland I'd say it's about half and half. I can't speak for Wales though.

[@ayeready6050]

There are definitely Scots and Welshman who object to being called British. In Scotland I'd say it's pretty evenly split. I don't know about Wales.

[@ayeready6050]

@@keithevans9544 How's it nonsense? Do you not think there's any utility in the four constitute nations all having a common culture?

[@jonb4155]

I was going to attempt to explain the whole Ireland/Northern Ireland issue, but then I was reminded of an Al Murray quote: "It's so complicated that me explaining it could conceivably make it worse."

[@danielwarren7110]

love Al Murray, but yeah that is a serious series of very carefully selected videos..... very carefully, like walking bare foot through your sleeping child's room when you know he was just playing with lego.

[@justandy333]

This is the funniest video you've done yet. Seeing someone completely bamboozled by our archaic heritage is priceless! But yes CGP grey is great, the information is all there, its just thrown at you like a full broadside from HMS Victory.

[@ParsleyParsnipsGaming]

"Are you sure the British Empire disappeared?" Nah... We just kinda rebranded.

[@burnsyp13]

for the most part, England, Scotland and Wales are fairly simple and straightforward. Northern Ireland is where it gets very, very complicated 🤣

[@generichuman2044]

Yeah she would be better off watching an entirely separate video on that. I'm English and learned a lot about the Irish conflict in school but I'm still very uneducated on the matter

[@TheMortal01]

I’m from Northern Ireland and the areas are split by religion (Catholics,Which I Am,Are Irish) And Protestants Are British,There Was A Whole Troubles War etc Yea It’s Quite Confusing So Northern Ireland Is Split

[@TheMortal01]

@@brianwareham2933 Everything You Just Said Is True

[@I_Don_t_want_a_handle]

It's not that complicated. There's two tribes on the island of Ireland and, because, things that happened before the vast majority of them were born, they hate each other.

[@shaunrogers2256]

Maybe straightforward for you but not for us Cornish.

[@skoodledoo]

You're one of the few who does reaction videos who actually rewinds after speaking so you don't miss anything. THANK YOU!

[@user-tk4gr9zo7t]

I love this 😂💖 I genuinely feel your pain

[@gavinstuart3446]

Gibraltar is a city / port that sits at the entrance into the Mediterranean sea and it is a massive strategic base for the royal navy.

[@30whacko11]

For the most part we jokingly fight amoungst ourselves, until an external threat tries to mess with us. Then we unite like no other 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@asdonut]

@@callumiainmacleod4710 Just remember when you lot walk out the door the rest of the UK's obesity ,heart disease, cancer, drug abuse, drug overdoses and sectarianism rates fall through the floor. UK Life expectancy will however shoot up. AND you get to keep the wee Krankie. "It is never difficult to distinguish between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine." Indeed.

[@ronclark9724]

That was eighty years ago. Today so many non British live in London there is no way the UK could ever unite again... Should I say BREXIT?

[@ashleygoggs5679]

@ryn mcray because we need the scottish as much as the scots need us. Our Government isnt perfect by any stretch and i get why scots want independance. However Scotland is so intergrated withEngland and the UK as a whole that it will be a huge struggle when they gain independence. From what i see though it seems a very 50/50 decision right now. I personally dont think the scots will leave. Despite the history ive always seen the Scots as our brothers and sisters, It would be a shame too see you guys leave.

[@ashleygoggs5679]

@ryn mcray hey man dont throw the term England around like the rest us want that, I say many times its not the people but the governments. Some of what you said is enlightening and i know scotland is very different in many ways. I dont agree with how our government treats any of the other British nations outside of England, however despite all this I still think we are better united.

[@ashleygoggs5679]

@ryn mcray if you know anything about nuclear warheads you would know the threat of annihilation is barely existant. Nuke bombers have been destoryed in transit with out nukes blowing. They are made to only go off once needed. I wouldnt fear it. Why should the people be blamed? we all vote for who we deem right. I think its unfair to say otherwise. Even when labour is in power things remain the same and you would still have the same view, that the people are too blame for voting in said government. You put the english people in a no win situation there. It dosnt matter which party gets voted you wont be happy with either until the situation is favorable to you.

[@alexdawson5293]

The monarch technically has the power to do almost whatever they want, but since the last one who tried to do so had a rather fatal encounter with an axe, they don't try it.

[@smoothie9931]

They do sometimes intervene when laws or policies are being made that are unfair. I think the last example of it is parliament trying to raise tax to a stupid amount and The Queen blocked the law when it came to getting the royal signature.

[@samurai2k455]

Charles I?

[@sidsnot6952]

Not in a constitutional monarchy.

[@GalacticAtom]

@Xtre4mKiLLer That didn't happen. The last monarch to veto a bill was Queen Anne in 1707, and that was at the government's request. If the Queen today tried to do it there would be a major constitutional crisis, and she would probably find herself out of a job.

[@smoothie9931]

@@GalacticAtom She would not be out of a job -_- it is her right at monarch to veto bills that she disapproves of... a good example being in 1999 when Queen Elizabeth II refused to consent to military action against Iraq. The bill was to give authorisation for military strikes to Parliament, so they could attack Iraq. The Queen refused this when the bill came to Royal Assent. Which she is fully within her right to do, as she is Queen. Nothing has changed with the Queen, she still has power over the UK Parliament to scrap, or create, any law she wants to, and nothing could be done against it... she doesn't though, cause she has always tried to stay impartial, still has the full power to though.

[@alanli2404]

It's quite simple to a Brit. There's civilization and there's everything else.

[@davesy6969]

Cucumber sandwich?

[@4Kandlez]

More tea?

[@tonykelevra2483]

Spoken like an arrogant Englishman 😆

[@kxam2]

The civilization being everywhere other than England.

[@4Kandlez]

@@kxam2 Why are you writing in English?

[@giordansparks5005]

Gibraltar is part of the UK 🇬🇧 and you’ll do we’ll to remember that!

[@KissMyFatAxe]

Those grubby Spaniards will never get their hands on our rock 😂

[@Dementat]

But not part of Great Britain, because islands....

[@PS-ru2ov]

@@Dementat still British people in Hawaii are still American despite not being on the north American continent

[@Dementat]

@@PS-ru2ov what on earth are you talking about. If they're born on Hawaii then they are Hawaiian and/or American but not British.

[@dannysmith8917]

Bit of a harsh tone fella can't blame her for being confused!!!

[@grahambrown870]

It's not true that we don't like each other.There is a very small minority who do.But the vast majority get on well with each other like no other country.Yes there is an intense rivalry in sport and other areas But threaten us and you will immediately get a united response.

[@keithevans9544]

Except we don't really get a choice about a united response do we?Wales and Scotland were overwhelmingly anti the gulf war,still couldn't stop it,it's an uneven and systemically unfair union.Wr persuaded millions to vote to leave the EU where we had a veto.Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland could all vote unanimously one way,but will always be outvoted by England

[@ayeready6050]

@@keithevans9544 Wales voted for Brexit. Scotland also voted to remain in the UK. How are we denied a say?

[@keithevans9544]

@@ayeready6050 we got what we wanted because we voted for what England voted for.Tbe point I was making is when we disagree,the" Cofiwch Dryweryn" signs you may have seen elude to this,ever single Welsh MP voted against the fooding of Dryweryn ( bar one from Monmouth who abstained) but the reservoir went ahead on the votes of English MP's.This "say"we have only exists if we follow what England wants,I'm sorry if you can't see how unhealthy a relationship this is.

[@tommogamer8546]

@@keithevans9544 I'm English so i would like to point this out for you. It's not a case of England votes for something and everyone else has to go along with it. Every one votes regardless of country as British citizens and what ever gets the most overall votes wins.

[@ayeready6050]

@@keithevans9544 "we got what we wanted because we voted for what England wanted" That's a really idiotic statement. Why so much disdain for the English electorate? This is where we differ - I don't see the English as foreigners, you clearly do. I see them as fellow British citizens, as fellow countrymen. Hypothetically, let's say Cardiff overwhelmingly voted for Brexit in a Welsh-only referendum, so much so that it swayed the result in Wales - you wouldn't then complain that it's unfair that every Welsh person outside of Cardiff was stuck with what Cardiff wanted. The UK is the sovereign nation. We voted in the referendum as one nation. Your vote as a Welshman counted just as much as the vote of an Englishman. I hear this argument all the time in Scotland and it really is pathetic.

[@ajt22]

I loved the reference to Wales and "spending too much time with their sheep". (Sorry Welsh guys)

[@welshgit]

That is obviously a lie. . . . . . . . You can never spend too much time with your sheep!! Baaaaah! 🐑

[@alexpaul9407]

It's ok I'm half Welsh half English so I spend half as much time with my sheep therefore no longer too much time.

[@ajt22]

@@alexpaul9407 In all seriousness, I am surprised he said it.

[@BunyipToldMe]

I've shagged 'em. You've eaten 'em! Chewy huh?

[@welshed]

It’s, it’s fine 😔

[@einhorntaschentuch9404]

"Do they appoint popes?" I CAN'T wtf are they teaching you in schools

[@oliversherman2414]

I love your channel keep up the great stuff!!!!!!

[@reefa2931]

To elaborate on the position of the monarchy: Yes, the monarch in the UK is ordained by God (ultimately, despite the decline of religious faith in the UK, we are still a Christian country) and occupies the position of the head of state. So the Queen is technically the equivalent of the US President. The main difference is that the Queen's various powers are conventionally not exercised in any meaningful way. Their role is mainly ceremonial, but of the substantial powers they have, they tend not to go against the grain too much (appointing the Prime Minister, signing bills into law etc.). You won't find the Queen refusing to give a bill royal assent, if that bill has passed both Houses of Parliament, even though technically it is within her power to do so. That's just the sort of relationship we have with our monarchy. They're an important symbol for us, but at the end of the day, even they recognise that the days of monarchs ruling by decree are over. So we sort of have an unspoken agreement that they don't get too overzealous and we continue to acknowledge them as our heads of state. We also adore them (as a general matter) so there's that too. Just assume that any power the Queen has is mainly a formality, they don't actually exercise it.

[@christopherlogan2903]

Well that's not exactly true the monarchy can veto a proposed bill before it becomes a bill. So if it gets to the bill stage it has already been approved by the monarchy, and they would have no reason not to sign it into law

[@reefa2931]

@@christopherlogan2903 Not quite. You are referring to the Queen's Consent. That's a mechanism which comes into play when the subject of a proposed bill either directly states that it affects the royal prerogative (mainly in the Commonwealth, for the UK, some other conditions are included). I am referring specifically to Royal Assent. A bill that has gone through the Houses of Parliament must receive Royal Assent before it becomes an Act of Parliament. Royal Assent can be given in person by the reigning monarch, or by notifying both houses (Royal Assent Act 1967). In the case of the Commonwealth Realm (such as Canada) an acting representative (the governor general). Royal Assent is a requirement for the bill to become law. Just because most nations don't make a fuss about it, doesn't mean they don't do it.

[@DaChaGee]

The US doesn't separate religion and state. The write 'In god we trust' on their money.

[@malcomflibbleghast8140]

is that the all seeing eye or the christian God ?

[@gerbear3227]

exactly - they were intended to be secular but that is defo not the case........the US is the most powerful christian nation in the world and all these christian factions have heavy political connections

[@hannahk1306]

I've heard the explanation before that the US technically separates church and state, but in reality doesn't and the technically doesn't separate them, but in reality does. Or something along those lines.

[@TheKrislaf]

The US doesn't have a "state religion" though, unlike for instance the "Church of England" in England. There is no "Church of America". While religion plays a large part in american society, freedom of religion is an important part of the foundation of american society.

[@gerbear3227]

@@TheKrislaf the church of England is still christian only (protestant) not catholic which is why it was established in protest to the papacy in rome. the USA on the other hand despite it being a melting pot of different faiths is for the most part christian at the state/federal level......sure God is reference on its very currency along with heavy references within its declaration of independence! "god bless america" is repeated by every senator + president when addressing the nation! there are many different christian factions in the US some of which have strong political connections to Washington - especially the "evangelicals" . up unitl recent times many "non-christian" candidates running for local, state + federal office have been discriminated against..............so forgive me but you cannot say that the US does not have a state religion....

[@underthewood571]

Also, I've just found these, and I'm very much enjoying them. So thank you

[@d.a.r.kfairy2704]

I'm English, and I don't like been called British, I am English, and part of the United Kingdoms.

[@FloatingFatMan]

Yes. We still own the world.. We just let you guys THINK you're free! ;)

[@1IbramGaunt]

Best comment My Baron, deserves way more likes!

[@alexpaul9407]

Hey don't give us away

[@jamesblackwell2067]

bro, dont tell them! its a secret

[@jamesblackwell2067]

@2000vm what's russia been doing lately? you guys been pretty quiet...suspicious!

[@jamesblackwell2067]

@2000vm ahhh! still got nukes pointed at London?? :D

[@johnnash2815]

I think I contracted anxiety watching you try to understand all of that whilst the narrator was talking at just slightly below the speed of light.

[@burstcity3832]

I thought you had it on x2 speed .

[@davidcgroberts9381]

Im a Welshman but proud to be British like we all are.

[@kwesiidun8512]

David GC Roberts - I'm Welsh as well! I'm a Swansea boy born and bred and I'm very proud to be British!

[@sophiecearnaigh4850]

There is a country called "Ireland". The official name of the republic of Ireland "Éire" or in English "Ireland".

[@neilgayleard3842]

Jersey is a island, a cow, a potato, a long sleeved jumper/ sweater, and some place in America.

[@hythekent]

It is also a type of custard

[@neilgayleard3842]

Made with milk from a Jersey cow.

[@hythekent]

@@neilgayleard3842 I think they use more than one cow 🐄

[@neilgayleard3842]

I am sure they do. But it still won't taste as good as Kentish milk.

[@eriktangerstad542]

Jersey is first and foremost banking

[@vaughanrichards7438]

"do they appoint popes?" LOL!

[@harrybarrow6222]

@SoGal You need to learn about the Reformation, Martin Luther, and Henry the eighth. Try Wikipedia.

[@chrisbovington9607]

In a sense, if you replace "Pope" with Archbishop. But also no. They ARE the "Pope", or the equivalent.

[@04nbod]

@@chrisbovington9607 They aren't really the Pope. It was a power grab. I think what they used to support it was the position of King David in the Bible. Kings are God's chosen. As opposed to the Vatican who note that St Peter was the rock upon which Jesus built his church. Peter's successors, The Popes are therefore the foundation of the Church's authority.

[@penname5766]

She's not far off - they appoint archbishops 😊

[@Cepeleon]

@@chrisbovington9607 Technically not quite right but yeah they are deemed interchangeable.The Pope is the head of the Catholic Faith, whereas the Archbishop is not head of the Anglican Faith, its actually the Queen.

[@PD-jk5hd]

I'm born and raised in England but have always identified as British as my nationality, and never say I'm English (other than the language I speak), because I like and appreciate the shared history of the combined nations of not just Britain but the UK - while also respecting individual identity, culture and history

[@user-nh1ub7vq5z]

You might…But what about the rest of your scummy English brethren?

[@adrianhughes8143]

How can Americans get so confused about the UK. The UK consists of England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have an Assembly which is a government of that country that governs there own country but Parliament in London is the government of the United Kingdom that can overrule each Assembly in what ever country and place laws plus other decisions on those countries. Parliament in London is the overall government of the UK. The British Overseas Colonies are part of the UK with a representative's of the British Government's Foreign Office is sent to each of the British Overseas Colonies to run the territory for the government of the UK. Every citizen on those British Overseas Colonies is a British Citizen. This video is so simple to understand, I learned this at junior school here in England. 💂‍♂️💂‍♂️💂‍♂️💂‍♂️🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@carlwatson7287]

It's more confusing if you're a northerner in England, born to 2 half irish parents , with a Scottish surname.

[@bethlfc44]

Yeah know how ya feel born to welsh & Irish parents with a Scottish surname lol

[@TheSomeChanter]

@The Enlightener 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Watson is a Scottish surname. Comes from Walter Buchanan from the clan Buchanan.

[@scottwhitworth3790]

It’s just not that confusing is it . The United Kingdom OF Great Britain AND Norrhern Ireland

[@thecollector75]

" the never set on the british empire.... because even God couldn't trust an Englishman in the dark" ...always loved that quote.

[@xhogun8578]

Love that raises more questions for you than answers.

[@HafdirTasare]

To cut it short again: Once upon a time, a King of england wanted to devorce his wife. The Pope said no But the king wanted to anyway so he abandoned the catholic church and started "the Church of england" with himself as the head of Church. The british Monarch is by that always the head of the anglican church.

[@stevetaylor8698]

Although, Henry's title, "Defender of the Faith" (FD on coins) was first given to Henry by the Pope, the "faith" being Catholic. He lost this title after his little spat with his Holiness but the title was returned to Henry by the newly Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury.

[@burstcity3832]

@@stevetaylor8698 Little spat..that's brilliant! tooke me a few seconds to stop laughing. The way the split from the church was often reported and justified was through a technicality really, The king of Englands rule was devine and who is the pope to get in the way. If he was ruling through gods will, he knew better than the pope. Forgive me that I have given a bit of a rough answer but it could have ended up being pages long.

[@Bridgejunky2]

Henry did not seek a divorce. He sought an annulment. This was ultimately granted by a parliamentary bill which of course he happily signed into law.

[@HafdirTasare]

@@Bridgejunky2 divorce, annulation.. same result.

[@Bridgejunky2]

@@HafdirTasare No it wasn't the same result. It was significantly different. For example under divorce Princess Mary would have had to retain her place in the succession but, under annulment, she automatically became illegitimate and therefore unable to ascend to the throne. A situation which had a major impact on England's subsequent history. Granted, Mary was eventually restored to the succession but only in the later years of Henry's life when he saw a) that he would father no more sons and b) that the frailty of his son's health made it necessary to set up more successors. Even then, Mary's right to succeed Edward VI was contested by powerbrokers who tried to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne instead. Mary's 'illegitimacy' was one justification they gave for trying to overturn Henry VIII's will. For a short time their ambitions seemed likely to plunge the nation into civil war. Fortunately that was avoided but poor Jane had her head chopped off. As even dopey Donnie's speech writers are having to accept, words have meanings as well as consequences and annulment is something different to divorce.

[@mattprice5273]

It is like sibling rivalry but it gets even more complicated when you break down the country’s into counties and the rivalries between them.

[@penname5766]

The islands of Guernsey and Jersey are STUNNING. They are just off the coast of France - Britain inherited them when the Normans (of Normandy, France) conquered in 1066.

[@peterjackson4763]

They are still part of the Duchy of Normandy and not part of the UK (and stayed out of the EU). Their loyal toast is "The Queen, our Duke." They are indeed stunning, though the massive concrete structues the Germans built during WW2 do spoil things a bit.

[@Liam1991]

Shout out from the Isle of Wight! And yes, we are part of England!

[@gwynedd4023]

My favourite holiday spot... From Wrexham

[@darth_link]

What about wrexham

[@gwynedd4023]

@@darth_link it sucks

[@andrewhutchinson36]

Part of England yes, but not of Great Britain.

[@Liam1991]

@@gwynedd4023 the island is nothing special!

[@cutthr0atjake]

We do like each other. Its just sibling rivalry. :-)

[@cymraegpunk1420]

Ehhhh

[@winkblue6851]

I think that's what englanders say to make themselves feel better. This is coming from someone who is from england

[@ayeready6050]

@@winkblue6851 I am Scottish and I wholeheartedly agree with that statement. Although, there are Scots who will vehemently disagree with that.

[@danielhughes4005]

I’m not really the one to say how it is. Genuine mongrel I am. Born and bred in Wales..English mother with an Irish background and a Welsh father with more than a touch of Scottish influence a few generations back!

[@N0RM0jn]

speak for yourself

[@davidz2808]

The Queen is head of state of the UK, Canada, Australia etc., but not their head of government.

[@mumflrpumble9107]

About 16 countries, not to mention her sway over the many Commonwealth countries

[@g4viscon]

Technically she is head of government. Her power is symbolised by a governor General in each country that sits in for the Queen on her behalf.

[@Bridgejunky2]

@@g4viscon No she is not! The fact that she is not head of government is the source of her moral authority, such as it is. She is not a politician. She does make make political decisions which inevitably come down to hard choices between the desirable and the affordable. When you make decisions you invariably attract supporters and opponents. Politicians virtually automatically become divisive. Divisive entities cannot successfully serve as a figure head for a nation. Look at the absolute loathing roughly half of the American electorate held for each of its recent presidents.

[@barneylaurance1865]

Yes, but those heads of head of stateships are three separate titles. And most of her work as head of state of countries other than the UK is delegated to someone who actually lives there - the governor general.

[@highpath4776]

Did the video cover Privvy Council, and the use of Orders in Council and The Royal Perogative ? Additionally the Crown Dependencies of Isle Of Man + The Channel Isles as not being part of the UK with Westminster representatives but areas under the Monarch of the UK

[@pjbouic]

Love the video and sorry for the confusion! We kind of take all this for granted and you can’t rush through this - your questions are all good. Single, simplest thing to remember is that British Isles, Great Britain and Ireland (and others) are geographic terms. United Kingdom, England, Republic of Ireland etc are political terms. Things get confusing when you interchange geographic and political terms. Stick to the most appropriate one depending on what you are researching and you’ll be ok. As for the Empire and Monarchy and Church of England - welcome to the rabbit hole!!!! Good luck!

[@Javadamutt]

The Isle of Man doesn't know where it is either, maps havent been invented there yet Whats up with Ireland....well....thats a can of worms. Look up "The troubles"

[@LTPolasGlassII]

Ireland. = The entire 19th century

[@UtdSolskjaer]

I'm just saying the Isle of man were one of the first to give everyone equal rights doing it back in like the 800s

[@kalebmartin1845]

I'm from the isle of man and we definitely do know where we are, we get very salty whenever we aren't included on maps of Great Britain lol

[@josephtheunitedkingdom2218]

To all my fellow British people I am from The United Kingdom Of Great Britain & Northern Ireland I love you all I'm proud to be from this Powerful country🇬🇧 I love you all

[@golem4892]

Back at you! 🇬🇧 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 👍

[@KissMyFatAxe]

Us limeys gotta stick together 🇬🇧😂

[@newbris]

You sound like a yank ;)

[@user-nh1ub7vq5z]

Says who? An Englishman.

[@solfennell8981]

Basicly it's like the USA. The USA is a country made from 50 States, the UK is a country made from 4 Countries

[@ianwilliamson1751]

Sarah, Roger & Scarlet, that was the funniest video I have seen on KZbin. I really felt for you trying to deal with all that information being thrown at you at once. For the record, it lost me completely, and I am English, from Cheshire, Err, another County famous for crumbly cheese. and Manchester, where the computer was born, which lets us enjoy your video's so much. Keep up the great video's.

[@SoGal_YT]

Let me know what other videos I should watch! Also, like and subscribe if you enjoyed this video 👍🏻

[@thomassugg5621]

England was united in 927 under the house of Wessex, then came the Normans who conquered England in 1066. Then came the Plantagenet dynasty in 1155, 400 years later the Tudors took over in 1485, then the House of Stuart in 1603, a civil war and a coup later and then the German house of Hannover took over in 1714 and they are the house the current queen is descended from.

[@neilgayleard3842]

Not a video but a film. Cromwell, which will help you understand the English civil war.

[@cerbie70]

@@thomassugg5621 A very succinct explanation of the journey of the monarchy.

[@pipercharms7374]

We do like each other in general, its more "sibling rivalry" as someone else described it lol however its more the UK goverment, not the people, that the countries in the UK tend to have a problem with, not the people. So English, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh people do in general get along though we do tease each other lots, however its the UK goverment that people in these countries don't tend to get along with.

[@thomassugg5621]

@@pipercharms7374 well said, I’m English and I have no hate for the Irish, Scottish or Welsh. I see them as fellow countryfolk. Whilst we have differences in culture and language, and have had many wars in the past. We all live on this isle and should get along.

[@andrewtobin8703]

The Queen is the Head of the Church of England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@scottishbombolini7794]

Until she crosses the Scottish border, then the Queen is the Head of the Church of Scotland, lol.

[@andrewtobin8703]

That’s a good point

[@harrybarrow6222]

The monarch is also head of the Church of England. Henry 8th started that when he broke away from the Catholic Church because the pope would not grant him a divorce. Britain is officially a Protestant country. But we are very tolerant of other religions. (Religious beliefs are always personal, and cannot be imposed from outside.)

[@dollagm]

@@scottishbombolini7794 the Queen is not the head of the Church of Scotland, in Scotland she is a member of the Church of Scotland like anyone else who attends.

[@danep8553]

But does the Pope shit in the woods.

[@sarahkelly473]

I would nearly always refer to myself as British rather than English, but I’ve noticed welsh and Scottish people tend to refer to themselves as Welsh and Scottish not British. But that’s maybe because they have more of a cultural history than England and there’s rising independence movements in Scotland especially

[@wardenblack9734]

I have noticed a lot of English people refer to the U.K. as England and a lot of English people feel English means British! Scots and Welsh never confuse these terms!

[@stephengilbert5612]

Something for you to reseach if you fancy . The Great in Great Britain , comes from a time in history when there was Greater Britain and Lesser Britain . Lesser Britain was when we had a part of France . When Lesser Britain was won back by the French we retained the Great tittle from Greater Britain .

[@alancook]

For more on how the UK is governed, I recommend Jay Foreman's "Who's in Charge of Britain?"

[@alexandertimms0.166]

So good

[@christinesellers188]

reptillians

[@user-nh1ub7vq5z]

The ruling elite, the capitalist class, bankers etc, captains of industry run and rule the country! parliamentary democracy is a myth.

[@davebetch9918]

The Venn diagrams were very helpfull.

[@levichalcraft8702]

Fun fact: There is a Train in the UK that is named after Lady Godiva. It’s one of our tilting trains

[@davidkitchen7761]

I’m English and personally I really like the Scottish, Irish and Welsh, but what ever you do, do not call a Scottish person English 😂

[@KissMyFatAxe]

Vice versa lol

[@KitsyX]

Yeah, I think the English like everyone, but everyone else is less keen on the English… I’m not even sure all of the English are keen on the English lol.

[@gordonbarton8440]

I’m Scottish and to be honest have many friends in England and generally don’t have any issues with anyone English. Westminster however !!

[@anon8740]

@@gordonbarton8440 I'm not sure anyone outside Westminster likes Westminster mate!

[@michaeltaylorceng]

I love the fact that you're so confused by all this. It clearly shows that you know significantly more than most people.

[@ramiromaia592]

There's also a British version of the Olympic Games which is called the Commonwealth Games which it's colonies and protectorates compete every 4 years between the Olympic years

[@jasonsmith666]

Just came across you today. Fun stuff. I've seen the original content, which is amusing. I loved your ' what is it with Ireland doing it's own thing over there' ouch, direct translation 'I am Oliver Cromwell' On that note, do The English Civil war. It's as fun as the French Revolution. Up The Levellers.

[@mickuljatheseagull]

Whe I lived in Wales (I'm English) the Welsh Rugby Fans used to say they didn't care who they lost to so long as it wasn't the English.

[@Tipsythomas]

I'm a Welsh descended Englishman living in Wales & what you don't do is go out on a Wales Vs England match day. lol

[@fatbloke2285]

Love the interest your showing in our history and great to see your reaction to your research. Learning some from it too. Have subscribed for more. Ta!

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks! I’m really loving it! More coming ;)

[@fatbloke2285]

@@SoGal_YT Hanging on your every notification. Thank you for answering.

[@darrenhawkes598]

Same, it's nice to see someone from the colonies (Joke) taking a keen interest, so, yeah, subbed.

[@ianbuchanan3839]

There is a "love to hate" relationship between the English and us the better half (Scots). It's generally all in good fun but can sometimes turn a wee bit sour.

[@lmntrix1278]

Scots the better half hahaha that's hilarious

[@grahamfleming8139]

Course we are!

[@SAM-sr3ym]

4:40 That’s actually quite a big problem in the UK. It’s officially called the ‘West Lothian Question’

[@williamrussell4752]

Not been a problem since Cameron introduced English Votes for English Laws after the referendum.

[@tomski120]

If you want to know about Ireland. Check out the videos parts 1 and 2 called "the troubles" (a massive understatement. )

[@vickytaylor9155]

Now you know how hard it is to study Geography and history in the UK.

[@lucymitchell3045]

And why we are all required to study both until the age of 14!

[@davidlawrence5091]

I'm British, and I knew all this stuff already. But even I struggled to keep up with the speed of his commentary

[@gerbenvanessen]

great britain being a big island does not include the smaller islands, for the same reason that long island does not contain ellis island. them being different islands that do not occupy the same place in spacetime.

[@millsy1861]

Your reactions to the information overload were absolutely hilarious........very very amusing indeed.

[@catT5236]

"What's up with Ireland?" Oof, that's probably 5 videos on its own! Might want to look up things like: The Irish Potato Famine, The Troubles, The I.R.A, & The Good Friday Agreement.

[@kevincasey5035]

Cat T , She might also look into how the Norman, French speaking King of England persuaded an English Pope to transfer the right to rule Ireland ( a Catholic country) to the English king. 1066 has a lot to answer for IMO.

[@ericseventeen17]

To summarise it quite simply... AAaaaAaAaaaaAAaaaAAAAAAaAaaAaaaaaAAaaAaaAAAAAaaaAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAaaAAAAAAaAaaaaAAaaaaaAAAaaaaaAAaaaAaaaAaahhhhHhhHhhHHHHHHhHhHHHHH!!!!!iii!!!!i!i!i!i!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gordonbarton8440]

Yeah. Best not go there 😂😂

[@MrPsychomonkey]

The parliament in Westminster is for the country overall and England. The other countries have separate parliament's with different MPs what have devolved (outsourced powers from London) in the country. So in Scotland you would have 2 local reps MP and MSP( for Scottish parliament) in England you only have an MP

[@andyscouse4090]

I am a Scouser from Liverpool with a Welsh/Irish accent, I learned Queens English from my dad and Scouse from my mum. My family name came to England from Ireland in 1309, my roots are from Sheffield 1506 and then Liverpool 1834.🇬🇧

[@patriciabracken7546]

She rode around a place called Coventry, which is in England.

[@tomnicholson2115]

Just re-watched and realised CPG Grey made a mistake by saying all 4 countries vote on English laws but not the other way round. To clarify all 4 countries are part of the united kingdom, and do vote on UK laws because all 4 are part of the country of the UK, they do not vote on exclusively English laws, but Scotland Wales and Northern Ireland can make some laws exclusively for themselves.

[@patricialockhart2135]

Ah, Scotland voting on English laws but England not voting on Scottish laws is called 'the West Lothian Question'

[@user-ko7oq1pr9j]

You have more understanding of uk, than I do of anywhere else, kudos

[@robertpearson8798]

There's a reason that English is still the international language of business. The last two major world economic empires were English speaking (the British Empire and The United States)

[@UtdSolskjaer]

@Tim Wholesome yeah also we still have like a few dozen islands around the world.

[@roberthughes9856]

British Isles, Great Britain and Ireland are geographical regions. The United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are political entities. Some of England for example is small islands separate from the large island of Great Britain and this is also the case with Wales and Scotland. Rep of Ireland was part of the UK as Ireland (N Ireland didn't exist at the time). The Irish majority (Catholic) wanted independence, the Protestants, mostly concentrated in the north, wanted to stay in the UK. The island of Ireland was divided as per today.

[@chrisbovington9607]

Almost. The Republic of Ireland didn't exist when it was part of the United Kindom. It was the Kingdom of Ireland at the time of the Acts of Union. Southern Ireland became a republic when it became independent. By definition, becoming a republic meant that it abandoned monarchy.

[@roberthughes9856]

@@chrisbovington9607 I do say that the Republic was part of the UK as Ireland with N.Ireland not being in existance. All Ireland became the Free State in 1922 until the North opted out. The 26 southern counties remained as a Dominion, as per Australia,NZ, Canada, Sth Africa, with a Govenor General as representative of the King within the Empire until becoming the Republic in 1949. In 1937 a new constution provided for a President but also the King to have a role in external affairs so the country was in a half way house between 37 and 49.

[@lloroshastar6347]

England was established as a country about 1200 years ago (kinda) after the Kingdom of Wessex in the South united Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia, Essex, Sussex and probably a few other independent nations (such as Cornwall who were absorbed later). The monarchy were actually around at this time but after the Normans invaded and took over the monarchy we kinda hit the reset button and only really recognised the Kings/Queens from William I (1066 AD) to Elizabeth II now.

[@Ben-Hollingbery]

My ancestors come from an iron age hill fort outside Brighton called Hollingbury Hill and my first reliably recorded ancestor was head butler to Edward The Confessor

[@DarrenMalin]

that is what happens when you are 1,000's of years old , it gets bloody confusing lol :)

[@pauloliver8130]

British influence does extend quite far. We've even got our flag on one of your state flags :-) Love that you are trying to learn. And am enjoying your posts.

[@johnbath616]

Hawaii

[@dernwine]

@@johnbath616 The Kingdom of Hawaii.

[@SoGal_YT]

Thanks! I'm enjoying the journey!

[@davetdowell]

Apparently Hawaii had a discussion about changing their flag to remove the Union flag from their flag not log ago, and they choose to keep it. I guess honouring their forebears who asked us for permission to put it there in the first place.

[@pauloliver8130]

As flags go, it's a bit of a looker isn't it?

[@guydawe7231]

Great Britain is a geographical term being the largest single island of the 1000 islands that make up the geographical british isles

[@dresdentube1]

Put simply, we go to war as the UK, we go to the olympics as GB and we play football as the four home nations.

[@cutthr0atjake]

Scotland & Wales have their own parliament. England doesn't have its own parliament as it hosts the United Kingdom parliament.

[@ultramarine0123]

Doesn’t wales have an assembly not a parliament

[@pipercharms7374]

@@ultramarine0123 Its essentially the same thing as a parliament from what I understand though could be wrong?

[@ultramarine0123]

@@pipercharms7374 there not the same, they have different levels of sovereignty on what they can do but as a system they're similar

[@thesherbet]

they each have a National Assembly, as does Northern Ireland when they can actually make their minds up and vote for one

[@pedanticradiator1491]

@@adiabolicalliberty2614 the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain and Ireland was George I not III

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

4:35 Well, that's the West Lothian Question in a nutshell.

[@Jamieclark192]

The best way to learn British and Irish history is to look into all the rulers we have ever had, start in 1066 and go from there, it provides a very easy way to learn history with the each monarch acting as chapters to a very big book

[@garethmartin6522]

Not only is the UK a recognised country, it occupies one of the permanent seats on the UN Security Council.

[@CaptainAmercia]

The United Kingdom used to include the whole of Ireland up until 1922 after the Irish war of independents when 26 Irish counties formed the Republic of Ireland (also known as the Free State) leaving the other 6 (in the north) which formed Northern Ireland which is still apart of the United Kingdom.

[@raphaelperry8159]

Basically Oliver Cromwell invaded Ireland "for it's own good" and the invading English treated the Irish so badly that they don't want to have anything to do with Britain (apart from Northern Ireland who really want to be British and the Southern and Northern Irish kept killing each other for being Catholic or Protestant for decades).

[@spencerburke]

Wasn't a republic until the '40s

[@annabelthegreat]

The history of the monarchy depends where you start counting from... but we generally count from 1066 and William the Conqueror

[@dernwine]

Which is wrong because William claimed an already exisiting crown, he didn't create a new one. It should start from 884 and King Alfred the Great.

[@annabelthegreat]

@@dernwine generally accepted practice though and while I agree with you...

[@dernwine]

@@annabelthegreat doesn't matter. It was generally accepted practice to state the Sun revolved around the Earth, it was still objectively wrong.

[@paul-antonywhatshisface3954]

I mean besides, we probably shouldn't ignore one of the few rulers in history to earn the sobriquet "the great" and have it accepted

[@Ben-fj2dh]

@@dernwine Alfred was the King of Wessex though, not England. England didn't exist until Aethelstan in 927.

[@tcgilbo97]

Best way to describe how we all get on is like siblings as we like each other but scrap and disagree a lot to

[@michaelmclachlan1650]

Note sure if anyone has suggested this yet but the book 'Empire. How Britain Made the Modern World ' by Niall Ferguson in an interesting read.