How do you think the geographical position of the British Isles could have helped to shape British history and identity?

Answer 1

The location of the British Isles, and the fact that they are islands, would have had a significant effect. Firstly, England, Scotland and Wales, which are physically joined, united politically, and Ireland joined physically and politically to form the British Isles and the UK (see http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_UK_the_same_as_Britain for the difference between the UK and Great Britain). This has probably had an impact on British identity (if there is one - but it will have affected English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish identities, just as joining the EU would have done). Incidentally, being part of Europe and joining the EU, depite being a group of islands off mainland Europe, would have had an influence on becoming part of the EU (i.e. if the British Isles was on the other side of the world, it is unlikely that it would be part of the EU). One of the major influences would have been invasion. Notably by the Vikings, Anglo Saxons and Romans. These are a significant part of British history, and would have brought social changes that would then be absorbed into British culture and identity. Later waves of migration, for example by Irish, French, Jewish, Asian and European people would have had and are currently having a similar effect. They are also raising questions of British identity. Also, the position of the British Isles on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean is significant. Historically, the links with Australia and America are important, and travel between them was by boat. Also, those links with America have facilitated trade, and many cultural influences from America have made their way to Britain, for example through TV and music.