U.K. is not a synonym of England

[Rum]

It is supposed to be around 1898 I believe. Posted in response to the map insinuating rather more of the world was under British control than was the case.

[Coito ergo sum]

Insinuating? How about -- the British Empire was the largest empire known in world history, at its largest extent?



The British Empire subjugated over 20% of the world's population.

The next largest empire in land area was the Mongol empire, and the next after that was the Russian empire. Followed by the Spanish -- the Chinese -- the Arabs -- French and on down the line.

In terms of land area, the British Empire at its height was around 5 times the size of the Roman Empire.

I'm not quite sure how much of an exaggeration you think was insinuated, but, you blighters had a fucking kick-ass empire.

[Mysturji]

What is worth mentioning here is the name of the rest of the U.K. in the event of an independent Scotland (if that happens).

The immediate response might be: The United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Except, that wouldn't be true. The "united kingdoms" were those of England and Scotland. Wales and Northern Ireland weren't kingdoms; well, they had kingdoms in the very long and distant pass, but they certainly weren't kingdoms when the U.K. was formed.

If we remove the idea of kingdoms (ditching the term U.K.) it also couldn't be called Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as Scotland is part of Great Britain.

So what does that leave? The Union of England, Wales and Northern Ireland? That's going to look messy on their passports. Car nationality stickers will be interesting, too; no more "G.B.".

"L.B." Lesser Britain?

[laklak]

Obligatory Little Britain pic

[Svartalf]

Looks queer

[Rum]

Well yes - insinuating. I didn't say it wasn't the largest empire ever (it was however one of the briefest!), I was simply pointing out that the map in question was a bit misleading. The other colonial powers claimed big chunks of the world too of course.

Insinuating? How about -- the British Empire was the largest empire known in world history, at its largest extent?

[img]http://abagond.files.wordpress.com/2008 ... 0s.png/img]

The British Empire subjugated over 20% of the world's population.

The next largest empire in land area was the Mongol empire, and the next after that was the Russian empire. Followed by the Spanish -- the Chinese -- the Arabs -- French and on down the line.

In terms of land area, the British Empire at its height was around 5 times the size of the Roman Empire.

I'm not quite sure how much of an exaggeration you think was insinuated, but, you blighters had a fucking kick-ass empire.

[laklak]

Looks queer

Well, he's British...

[Rum]

Looks queer

Well, he's British...

May I refer honourable members to your avatar..

[laklak]

Looks queer

Well, he's British...

May I refer honourable members to your avatar..

Shit, do I look British?

[Coito ergo sum]

Looks queer

Well, he's British...

May I refer honourable members to your avatar..

Time for a thread in Games -- "Gay or British?"

[Pensioner]

Interesting map. Nice colour pink. What you have got to remember is that the majority of the working class in the UK were living in abject poverty when that map was drawn. Fuck the British Empire says I. Them bastards ruling class Brits only feed us working class Brits when they want us to fight a war to defend their wealth and privileges. Fuck the British Empire says I.

[Red Celt]

Interesting map. Nice colour pink. What you have got to remember is that the majority of the working class in the UK were living in abject poverty when that map was drawn. Fuck the British Empire says I. Them bastards ruling class Brits only feed us working class Brits when they want us to fight a war to defend their wealth and privileges. Fuck the British Empire says I.

There was slavery around the empire (and all of that trade money from selling them) but there was never any slavery in Britain.

Lots of desperate poor people to do all of the shitty work, so slavery wasn't needed.

[Tyrannical]

Does the big island have a name?
Great Britain includes the surrounding minor islands, and Britain is the entire island chain including Ireland. I think

[Red Celt]

Does the big island have a name?
Great Britain includes the surrounding minor islands, and Britain is the entire island chain including Ireland. I think

You just didn't read the thread, did you?

Geographically, the big island is called Great Britain.
Politically, the big island and the surrounding smaller islands are called Great Britain.

"Britain" is a short-hand term for "Great Britain" (England, Scotland & Wales).

Sometimes (technically inaccurately) "Britain" is used interchangeably with "U.K."

"U.K." is shorthand for "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland".


Basically, all of the above isn't the point I was trying to originally make. The main point is that (as far as the outside world is concerned) England isn't how you should refer to the U.K. There is no such thing as an English passport. Our prime minister doesn't govern England. He governs the U.K. When referring to her, it is nonsensical to say "Queen of England". That's like calling Obama the President of Alaska/California. It is true, but it is only a part of the bigger truth.

It is a country of countries. England is only one of them.

[Rum]

And yet strangely the English are the least nationalistic of all the people's of GB.

More evolved perhaps?