Englisch British and American Traditions

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Britains History:

1066 The Norman Conquest after the Battle of Hastings: William the Conqueror (french) defeats King Harold (anglo-saxon) , Normans (french) new ruling class -> enriches the English language with terms in field of law, administration, science, literature (still recognizable in modern English)

1215 The Magna Carta: guarantees rights and liberties, limits the power of the king. Nowadays: still part of English Law

1534 Act of supremacy: Henry VIII separates the English Church from the Roman Catholic Church -> independant Church of England

1533 - 1603 Queen Elizabeth I : English power and influence increases (colonisation in America), term : British Empire

1599 - 1658 Oliver Cromwell: After successfull rebellion againt the British monarchy -> England as a republic and Cromwell = Lord Protector; Rebellion by Irish catholics was broken -> Land by Irish catholics is confiscated and given to settlers from Britain -> still today conflict in Northern Ireland between Protestants and Catholics

1688 The Glorious Revolution: The overthrow of King James II by an union ofParliamntarians an Dutch stadtholder William III -> William III King of England ( Bloodless Revolution) ; Revolution against catholic government ( King James II)

1689 Bill of Rights: England becomes a constitutional Monarchy; the document confirms rights: 1. no taxation without the parliament 2. the freedom to bear arms 3. the freedom of speech ; Romans are excluded from becoming king/queen; constitution of USA relies on a DIFFERENT bill of rights (1791)

1819 - 1901 Queen Victoria: "victorian age" : British empire expands and the industrial revolution brings prosperity and economic changes

1931 British Empire -> Commonwealth: more and more states claim their independance -> British government cannot hold their power in the former colonies / states -> Commonwealth , less restrictions for immigrants to come to Britain (1971 - restricted immigration by immigration Act)

The British constitution:

not set out in a single document

founded on conventions that are universally accepted , but never formally defined

founded on numerous acts and resolutions

each individual act of Parliament contributes to the Constitution

adaptable to changing political conditions

Separation of Powers:

Legislature: Parliament ( queen - house of Lords - house of Commons) ;passing laws / legislation ( agreement of all the 3 ), question government policy and administration, debate major issues of the day

Executive: government , gov. departments responsible for national administration, local authorities

Judiciary: the Court

The Queen: head of state, symbol of national unity, head of executive and judiciary, but only formally part of the government, "supreme governor" of the church of england, appoints Prime Minister and ministers/judges/officers/diplomats/bishops, can pardon people, represent the country

The conservative party (Tories):

Right-wing party

nationalism

law and order

private enterprise

minimal interference of the state in the economy

The Labour party:

traditional party of the "working class"

state control and planning

nationalization of key industries

welfare

affiliation to the trade unions

With Tony Blair the Labour party changed it direction from socialist ideals towards an acceptance of free market economy, opening itselft to voters from the middle class.

What is Britain ? and Society

Britons are very class conscious: class distinctions in speech, habits, style, tastes, and values

upper class, upper - middle class, lower middle class and working class

The British Empire

1600 Queen Elizabeth formed the East India (trading) company tp trade with India and Asia

The British landed in India and opened up outposts

they soon actively supported the kingdoms militarily and by entered politics

During Anglo-french wars in Asisa the British rule got greatly extended

puppet kings of the East India trading company indirectly ruled India

Revolt of 1857 - > India as a crown colony

1947 independence