Scotland
and England: the love-hate relationship
The relationship between Scotland and England has been
shaped over centuries. Hadrian’s Wall, built in 122 AD, became one of the first
symbol of division between the two nations.
For centuries thereafter, Scotland’s most known
historical figures as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, earned their name
by attacking the English. Even though the relations between England and
Scotland in 13th and 14th centuries were free from
disturbance, it was Edward I who interrupted the peaceful period. Known as the
‘Hammer of Scots’, he conquered Scotland and named himself a king by military
and political manipulation.
Later, after the death of Queen Elizabeth in 1603, the
Union of the Crowns was set up; having no heir, James IV, King of Scotland and
son of Mary Queen of Scots, was announced King of England. From that time,
England and Scotland shared a monarch, however, they maintained separate
parliaments, courts etc. The Treaty of Union in 1707 unified the two countries
economically and politically.
Then the Jacobite Risings between 1688 and 1746 led to
the return of British monarchs (Stuart dynasty) to the throne of Great Britain.
After over 300 years of union, the I and II World War
brought the re-birth of the Scottish nationalism. Fighting alongside English in
both wars, the Scots did not get a chance to create an independent country, in
contrary to India, or Pakistan. Undoubtedly, at that time the culture became
the embodiment of the mood of the whole society: highly nationalistic texts,
full of hate towards the England. It is enough to take a look at the extremely
popular Irn Bru commercials to see the rivalry between two nations.
Nevertheless, two referendums later, Scotland still remains a part of the
United Kingdom. Then… do they really want to become independent? Do they really
“bloody English” so much? Moreover, do you think that Scotland will become
independent after Brexit referendum?
Bibliography
Articles:
Engelhart, Katie. Disunited
Kingdom. Maclean's. 9/1/2014, Vol. 127 Issue
33/34, p28-35. 8p. 13 Color Photographs.
Images sources:
Comments
Another thing is what about business, what would international companies do if Scottish separates from UK? Would they stay or move to Britan?
Maybe the Scotland will go independent after Brexit but it will last some time before they will do some move.