《当代英国概况》（英文版） Chapter 17 Britain and the world

Chapter 17 Britain and the World December 2005

Chapter 17 Britain and the World December, 2005

Britain and the World Britains primary overseas interests lay in three areas Europe The empire or Commonwealth The special relationship with the usa

Britain and the World Britain’s primary overseas interests lay in three areas: ▪Europe ▪The Empire or Commonwealth ▪The special relationship with the USA

The British Empire 7 lap on page 273 shows the extent of the Empire in 1919. These countries were the major markets for british exports and a source of cheap raw materials and food Late c19 Australia. Canada, New Zealand South africa and Ireland given Dominion status internal self government and much freedom in their foreign relations 1947 India given independence 1950s more of the colonies in the caribbean and africa gained independence

The British Empire ▪ Map on page 273 shows the extent of the Empire in 1919. These countries were the major markets for British exports and a source of cheap raw materials and food. ▪ Late C19 Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland given Dominion status – internal self government and much freedom in their foreign relations. ▪ 1947 India given independence. ▪ 1950’s more of the colonies in the Caribbean and Africa gained independence

The commonwealth Modern Commonwealth is a voluntary free ast Bears no resemblance to the Empire of the association of 54 independent sovereign states each responsible for its own policies but co operating together in their common interests 32 members of the commonwealth are republics, e.g. India 17 are monarchies with Queen Elizabeth l as Head of State, e.g. Australia, canada 5 have national monarchs, e.g. Fiji

The Commonwealth ▪ Bears no resemblance to the Empire of the past. ▪ Modern Commonwealth is a voluntary free association of 54 independent sovereign states each responsible for its own policies but co￾operating together in their common interests. ▪ 32 members of the Commonwealth are republics, e.g. India ▪ 17 are monarchies with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State, e.g. Australia, Canada ▪ 5 have national monarchs, e.g. Fiji

Commonwealth Today The former colonies share many things in common English as the official language of government English law Britain is still referred to as the"mother country "r w Many people have British relatives, particularly in N Zealand, Australia, Canada and South africa. whel Until 1960s all commonwealth citizens were free to enter the UK. although there are restrictions now the number entering the uK is on the increase I ong history of trade and economic links A tradition of professional and academic links with many similar educational systems

Commonwealth Today The former colonies share many things in common ▪ English as the official language of government ▪ English law ▪ Many people have British relatives, particularly in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa, where Britain is still referred to as the “mother country.” ▪ Until 1960’s all commonwealth citizens were free to enter the UK. Although there are restrictions now, the number entering the UK is on the increase. ▪ Long history of trade and economic links ▪ A tradition of professional and academic links with many similar educational systems

Relations with Europe As part of Europe, Britain has always been influenced by, and had an influence on, other European countries Culturally -there is a long common cultural heritage between many European countries Many languages derive from the same background; religions are shared and there has been much inter-marriage including within the Royal families With the decline of the Empire, and joining the European Union well over half the trade is now with the latter. See chart on page 280

Relations with Europe As part of Europe, Britain has always been influenced by, and had an influence on, other European countries. ▪ Culturally – there is a long common cultural heritage between many European countries. Many languages derive from the same background; religions are shared and there has been much inter-marriage including within the Royal families. ▪ With the decline of the Empire, and joining the European Union, well over half the trade is now with the latter. See chart on page 280

The European Union Founded in 1958 with 6 member countries France, West Germany, Italy, and Benelux AIMS To reduce and remove restrictions between the member countries by the removal of internal trade barriers by enabling the free flow of capital and a common currency, by allowing citizens of all member countries to live and work in any other member country, To Develop common policies on transport agrIculture external trade taxatlon

The European Union Founded in 1958 with 6 member countries, France, West Germany, Italy, and Benelux AIMS To reduce and remove restrictions between the member countries: by the removal of internal trade barriers, by enabling the free flow of capital and a common currency, by allowing citizens of all member countries to live and work in any other member country, To Develop Common Policies on: transport agriculture external trade taxation

Member countries of eu Britain joined in 1973 There are now 25 member countries Germany is the largest with a population of 80M, with Malta and Luxembourg the smallest -around 300.000 4 more countries are negotiating to join 11 countries have formed a common currency -the Euro

Member Countries of EU ▪ Britain joined in 1973 ▪ There are now 25 member countries ▪ Germany is the largest with a population of 80M, with Malta and Luxembourg the smallest – around 300,000. ▪ 4 more countries are negotiating to join. ▪ 11 countries have formed a common currency – the Euro

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Britain and the eu There is no clear view Euro-sceptics(including much of the conservative party) believe that closer links would inhibit britains freedom to make its own decisions about its political and economic future. They are against joining the Euro Pro-Europeans see it as essential to britain s national interest that Britain has a voice in the direction of policy in europe otherwise britain will be left out of important decision making. Only the liberal democratic Party is fully in favour of close ties with Europe The Labour party has promised a referendum on whether or not to join the Euro as the common currency

Britain and the EU ▪ There is no clear view ▪ Euro-sceptics (including much of the conservative party) believe that closer links would inhibit Britain’s freedom to make its own decisions about its political and economic future. They are against joining the Euro. ▪ Pro-Europeans see it as essential to Britain’s national interest that Britain has a voice in the direction of policy in Europe, otherwise Britain will be left out of important decision making. Only the Liberal Democratic Party is fully in favour of close ties with Europe. ▪ The Labour Party has promised a referendum on whether or not to join the Euro as the common currency