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| | The term “United Kingdom” (UK) refers to the combination (union) of “Great Britain” and “Northern Ireland,” which is part of the island of Ireland. There is conflict to this day between Unionists, who are mostly Protestant, and Nationalists, who are mostly Catholic, as to whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom, or be united with the Republic of Ireland (Northern Ireland and the Republic share the same island). | | The term “United Kingdom” (UK) refers to the combination (union) of “Great Britain” and “Northern Ireland,” which is part of the island of Ireland. There is conflict to this day between Unionists, who are mostly Protestant, and Nationalists, who are mostly Catholic, as to whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom, or be united with the Republic of Ireland (Northern Ireland and the Republic share the same island). |
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| − | The United Kingdom was formed in 1800 in response to the movement towards independence by Ireland. Although Ireland had a large majority of Catholics at the time and the other countries of the UK had even larger Protestant majorities, many leaders of the early Irish independence movement were Protestant. The movement culminated in the [[Easter Rising]] in 1916 and the war for independence for Ireland in 1920s. | + | The United Kingdom was formed in 1800 in response to the movement towards independence by Ireland. Although Ireland had a large majority of Catholics at the time, many leaders of the early Irish independence movement were Protestant. The movement culminated in the [[Easter Rising]] in 1916 and the war for independence for Ireland in 1920s. |
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| − | Within Great Britain, the people of Scotland and Wales take offense at being called "English". The Scottish, for example, pride themselves at being different to the English. | + | Within Great Britain, the people of Scotland and Wales take offense at being called "English". The Scottish, for example, pride themselves at being different to the English, and many seek independence from England today. |
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| − | The Protestant majority of Northern Ireland, most of whom prefer to remain united with Great Britain, often prefer to be called “British”; the Catholic minority of Northern Ireland, most of whom wish to become united with the [[Republic of Ireland]], prefer to be called “Irish”. On the Rugby field however, where the island of Ireland is represented by a single team, both groups are whole-heartedly Irish, especially when playing the old enemy, England. | + | The Protestant majority of Northern Ireland, most of whom prefer to remain united with Great Britain, to be called “British”; the Catholic minority of Northern Ireland, most of whom wish to become united with the [[Republic of Ireland]], prefer to be called “Irish”. On the Rugby field however, where the island of Ireland is represented by a single team, both groups are whole-heartedly Irish, especially when playing the old enemy, England. |
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| − | The Protestant versus Catholic feud in Great Britain is almost entirely anachronistic. Today one of the the most popular names for newborn baby boys in England (and France) is “Muhammad”. | + | The Protestant versus Catholic feud in Great Britain is almost entirely anachronistic. Today one of the most popular names for a newborn baby boy in England (and France) is “Mohammed”. |
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| | ==Age of Revolution== | | ==Age of Revolution== |