What is meant by the United Kingdom?The United Kingdom is a country made up of 4 separate countries. These are:England (capital city London)Scotland (capital city Edinburgh)Wales (capital city Cardiff)Northern Ireland (capital city Cardiff)Who's in charge?Currently David Cameron, the British Prime Minister.George Osbourne, the chancellor of the ExchequerWilliam Hague, the foreign secretary. The man most likely to meet Hu Jin tao.All three men are members of the Conservative PartyThe National Anthem The National Anthem is called "God save the queen."The National Flag The National flag is known as the "Union Jack".BeowulfBeowulf is an epic poem written in Old English.It tells the story of Beowulf, a man who kills the monster Grendel. He also kills Grendel's mother and a dragon.The Legends of King ArthurKing Arthur did not really exist. He is known as a "mythical hero."He is particularly famous for pulling the sword from the stone.The Loch Ness MonsterIn the highlands of Scotland, at a place called "Loch Ness", many people believe that there is a monster living in the lake.It is believed that the monster, sometimes called "Nessie", is a survivor from the time of the dinosaurs.Over the years, a myth has grown up about the "Loch Ness monster". Every year, people go to Scotland to try and see it. So far, no-one has been successful.Adele – 2006 - PresentAdele is a British singer and songwriter. She was born on 5 May, 1988. Both her albums, 19 and 21 have been massively successful. Adele is popular in both the UK and America.The Brit AwardsThe Brit Awards is the annual British pop music awards ceremony. It is a way for people from the UK to mostly celebrate British music. The awards began in 1977 and as an annual event in 1982. The Beatles - 1963-1970The Beatles were an English band that came from Liverpool. The Beatles' first album, "Please please me", reached number 1 in the album charts. After this, the Beatles produced 12 albums that went to number 1. The Beatles have had more number 1 albums in the UK than any other band.The British Invasion.The Beatles first performed in America on the "Ed Sullivan Show". 74 million American viewers tuned in to watch them –40% of the population. Even today, the Beatles have sold more records in the United States than any other artists.The Cultural and Social Revolution –1960s. In England and America, over the 1960s, there was a type of cultural revolution, in which peoples' attitudes on many things changed. The influence of the Beatles was integral to this.Legacy: Even today, The Beatles are selling records as people still want to listen to their songs. After the Beatles, British music became more popular in America.Who were the Spice Girls？The Spice Girls were an all-female pop band that first released a single in 1996.This single was called "Wannabe." It went straight to number 1 in the UK charts. The Spice Girls went on to have another 8 UK number 1 singles between the years 1996 – 2000. The Spice Girls were massively popular in America, having many number 1 hits. The band also had number 1 hits in 30 different countries. GIRL POWER!The Spice Girls did not only create best selling music. The band also promoted "Girl Power". "Girl Power" is a way of thinking, in which women believe that they are strong, independent, sexy, intelligent and (most importantly) able to exist without the help of men. "Girl Power stresses the importance of friendship between women. Friendship is more important than having a boyfriend. After the Spice Girls, many all-female bands have come into existence –the Spice Girls began this trend.James BondJames Bond is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming. Fleming wrote 12 novels about James Bond. After Fleming's death, writers have continued to create stories about James Bond. James Bond is your typical English gentleman. He is intelligent, polite and handsome. But he is also a spy working for MI6 (the British secret service). He is often in dangerous situations while working for the British government.The franchise remains one of the longest continually-running film series in history. 22 James Bond films have been made. The 23rd is due to be released in 2012.Mary PoppinsMary Poppins was a series of 12 books written by P.L.Travers. It is about a very mysterious English nanny. She appears to have magical powers. Although mysterious, and sometimes strict, she is always very kind to the children she looks after.Like James Bond, Mary Poppins is seen as being "typically British." She appears to be a traditional English nanny. She speaks very correct spoken-English (RP). But like James Bond, she is different beneath the surface. She always travels around using her umbrella, which opens up and allows her to be blown by the wind. In many ways, Mary Poppins is seen as representing UK culture. Mary Poppins appears to be the traditional, well-spoken nanny. Bert is the cheeky, but lovable, Cockney from the working-classes. Because of this symbolism, and the success of the film, many people (including many Americans) believe that people from the UK are like these characters.Pride and Prejudice - 2005In 2005 a new Pride and Prejudice film was made. It starred Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy.A Clockwork OrangeA Clockwork Orange was originally a novel written by Anthony Burgess. It was made into a film in 1971 and directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film, made in England, follows the life of Alex, a psychopath who loves classical music and ultra-violence.Football In England Football is the National Sport. Bill Shankly, the manager of Liverpool FC, once said in 1981:"Football isn't a matter of life or death, it's much more important than that."In England, football is not just a sport: it is part of English culture and society.The PlayersProfessional football players in the UK earn massive amounts of money. They are the "super-rich". The best professional football players are treated like celebrities. To some of the fans, professional football players are like gods. They are worshipped by the fans. They are heroes.Football FansMany football fans are devoted to the team they support. Some football fans will spend a large amount of their income on the team they support. This would include football shirts, tickets, travelling to games, etc. Many football fans go crazy when their team plays.WAGS"WAGS" is a new English word. It is short for "Wives and girlfriends". Because football players are so famous, the press and media are interested in players' girlfriends and wives (WAGS). Now in many newspapers in England you will see pictures of famous WAGS.RugbyRugby is often referred to as an "establishment game". This is because football is often considered to be for the working classes, whereas rugby is more for people who went to private school. There are not any rugby hooligans. The fans and players are better behaved.The Government today - 2012The government of the UK is a democracy. It is known as a "parliamentary government."This is because the government consists of a parliament (议会). There is also a monarch (君主), who is technically above parliament. But now, the monarch's role is mainly ceremonial (仪式).The Parliament of the United KingdomThe Parliament of the United Kingdom meets in the palace of Westminster. It is made up of two houses:The House of Commons,The House of Lords.For a law to be signed, "Royal Assent" is required from the monarch. Parliament is the ultimate "legislative" body in the UK.Members of ParliamentMembers of parliament are elected by the people of the United Kingdom. Every male and female over the age of 18 can vote for a Member of Parliament (MP). Most Members of Parliament are part of a political party. The two most popular parties are Labour and the Conservatives. There is also a party called the Liberal Democrats. Also in Parliament are "independents" –MPs who are not part of the main political parties.The House of CommonsAt least every 5 years, there is something known as a General Election in England. During a General Election people can vote for who they would like to be their MP in Parliament.What does the House of Commons do?The House of Commons is at the heart of Government and Parliament:Here New laws are drafted, proposed, debated and voted on. Policies, such as how much money to spend on health-care or transport, are debated and agreed upon; Debates are held between the Prime Minister and the Opposition. The Prime Minister is thereby held accountable (负责) to governmentSeptember 11, 2001As a result of September 11, the US launched its "War on Terror." On October 7, 2001 the Americans attacked Afghanistan and overthrew the government. UK forces supported the Americans and also sent troops. The government in Afghanistan was called the Taliban.How did this affect the UK's Reputation?Depends on who you ask. The UK was seen as America's ally. So the Americans thought the UK was great. But many countries were against the war, particularly France and Germany. The UK was seen as moving away from Europe and closer to America."The Special Relationship"The friendship between America and the UK was called the "Special Relationship."But manypeople (including UK nationals) think that this relationship is unfair and that the UK is the puppet (傀儡) of America.UK ReputationThe "special relationship" also meant that, to many people over the world, the UK and America were virtually the same thing. Anger at America also meant anger at the UK. This is particularly true of Guantanamo Bay, a controversial prison in Cuba used by the Americans to keep terrorist suspects.2003 Invasion of IraqThe Invasion of Iraq (March 19 –May 1, 2003) was the start of the conflict of the Iraq war. The invasion was led by the United States (148,000 soldiers), United Kingdom (45,000 soldiers), Australia (2,000 soldiers), Poland (194 soldiers).What did this mean for the UK's Image?This was very bad for the UK's international image.1. The UK was seen as, once again, doing whatever America wanted it to do;2. The UK was seen by many people across the world as engaging in an illegal war;3. The UK was becoming more hated in the Arab world.What did this mean for the UK?This also damaged the UK's relations with Europe, particularly France and Germany. The UK was seen as abandoning Europe and siding with America. The UK was also seen to have acted without the consent of the UN.July 7 BombingsOn 7 July 2005 London was hit by a terrorist attack. Three suicide-bombers detonated three bombs on London's Underground (Subway). This was because the UK was seen as an enemy of Islam because of the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.What Do I mean by RP?RP stands for ‘Received Pronunciation." RP is considered to be the "correct" way of pronouncing words. It is also known as "the Queen's English"; "Oxford English" and "BBC English." RP is considered to be the accent of the well educated and wealthy.AccentsGeordie Accent-- spoken by people from Newcastle.Scouse Accent -- spoken by people from Liverpool.Cockney Rhyming SlangDog and Bone = Telephone DogTrouble and Strife = Wife TroubleMince Pies = Eyes MinceWig = Syrup and Fig SyrupPlates of meat = Feet PlatesThe Norfolk AccentAr ya reet boi? = Are you alright?Cor ter heck! = Jesus!Get Wrong = To be told offThat crazes me!= That annoys me!Social ClassUK society is often described as being stratified (分层). An individual can be said to "belong" to aparticular social class.A person belongs to a particular social class depending on a number of different factors:1. Education2. Family Background3. Accent (口音)4. Occupation5. Wealth (variable).There are said to be 8 social classes in England:The Upper Class (Prince William)The Middle Upper Class (Kate Middleton)The Middle Middle ClassThe Lower Middle ClassThe Skilled Working ClassThe Unskilled or semi-skilled working classThe Under ClassThe "Newly Rich" class, which is separate from the others.Social MobilitySocial Class in England is not fixed or rigid. There is such a thing as "social mobility". This is when, either due to education or wealth (or both), a person is able to move up a classHistoryIn 1066 William the Conqueror defeated the Anglo-Saxons at the Battle of Hastings. In 1215, King John signed a famous document called Magna Carter. 1689 --the Bill of Rights signed..Anne Askew --a woman famous for being tortured in the rack and then burnt at the stake. Anne Boleyn --famous for making a beautiful speech before being beheade.The Fire of London - 1666The fire started at the bakery of Thomas Farriner on Pudding Lane, shortly after midnight on Sunday, 2 September. The fire then spread rapidly across the city of London.The Civil WarThe English Civil War (1640-1653) was fought between Charles 1st (the leader of the Royalists) and Oliver Cromwell (the leader of the Parliamentarians). Parliament wanted more power. It thought that Charles was too dictatorialAfter the Civil War - The Restoration - 1660Even though a king was put back on the throne in England, monarchs never had as much power as they had enjoyed before the Civil War. The monarchy never regained as much power as it had had before, and was more answerable to Parliament.The Restoration - 1660But this did not mean a return to the old ways. The new King allowed free parliaments and religious toleration. The new King gave to Parliament, in effect, the very things it wanted before the Civil War. The civil war is seen by many people as the first step towards democracy.1903 –1914 –The Suffragette MovementEmmeline Pankhurst founded the Women's Social and Political Union. It was also known as the Suffragettes. This movement campaigned for women's right to vote.HistoryThe Black Death (1347-1351) and the Great Plague (1665-1666).The Fire of London (1666). This was started at Pudding Lane.Fire of London - Why such a disaster?Many reasons –1. the method of putting out the fire was very inefficient2. the mayor of London was too slow to act. He delayed orders to stop the fire.3. there was a strong wind which allowed the fire to jump4. this had never happened before and people did not know what to doGuy Fawkes –1570 - 1606Guy Fawkes is most famous for his involvement in the Gunpowder Plot (1605)The Gunpowder Plot was a failed assassination attempt against King James I.The plan had been to use gunpowder to blow up the House of Lords on 5 November.To honor this event, every year on November 5 people in the UK celebrate "Bonfire Night." People all over the country set off fire-works, either at their homes or in a communal area.The punishment given to Guy Fawkes - to be hanged, drawn and quartered, is also famous in UK tradition.TeaTea is very important in UK society. Many people, from all classes, drink black tea with milk every day. It is considered to be a social activity, not just a drink. There are two types of tea "rituals" which some UK people may occasionally indulge in:Cream teaHigh Tea (this is what the Queen is supposed to do everyday)Civil PartnershipsSince Civil Partnerships were made legal in 2005 (one of the many changes that Tony Blair made to UK society) there have been thousands of civil partnerships. Civil Partnerships are also known as "Gay Marriages", but they are not actual marriages.Gay PrideIn the United Kingdom, as in many other parts of the world, many cities host a yearly "Gay Pride Day." During these days, homosexual men and women march in the streets, celebrating their homosexuality. Often straight people will join them to show their support.。