The British Isles

Chapter 6 Section 1

MAP

The British Isles

• The countries of the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

The United Kingdom

• England• Scotland• Wales• Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom

• The size of Oregon• In northern England, Scotland, and Wales, you

will find rugged hills and low mountain ranges.• Moors are also located here.• Northern Ireland has gentle mountains and

valleys, and fertile lowlands.

Moors

• Treeless, windy highland areas with damp ground.

Economy

• Industrial• Trading• Computer and Electronic industries are

gradually replacing older industries• Farming is efficient

Government (1)

• Parliamentary Democracy- Voters elect representatives, to a lawmaking body, called Parliament.

• It has 2 houses: The House of Commons and The House of Lords.

• The political party that has the largest # in the House of Commons chooses the Prime Minister.

• The House of Lords has little power, most members are nobles.

Government (2)

• The U.K. is also a Constitutional Monarchy:– A queen or king is head of state.– Ceremonial, little power

The Republic of Ireland

• Lush green meadows and tree covered hills• Known as: Emerald Isle, because of its

landscape. • Rich in peat, which is dug from bogs.

Peat

• Plants partly decayed in water, which can be dried and used for fuel.

Bogs

• Low swampy lands• Where peat is found

Economy

• Farming-• Major Crops: Potatoes, barley, wheat, sugar,

beets, and turnips.• Manufacturing-• Processing food and beverages, textiles, and

computer equipment

Government (1)

• The Northern Ireland Conflict• Southern, Catholic countries, of Ireland won

independence from Britain in 1921. Became a republic

• Northern, Protestant countries remained part of U.K.

• However, the Northern, Catholic countries wanted to be reunited with the Southern, Catholic countries.

Government (2)

• Northern Ireland, Protestants wanted to remain under British rule. They were known as Loyalist.

• The disputes led to much fighting and many deaths.

• These disputes were known as “the troubles”