Englisch British and American Traditions

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