The history of Nationalism in Britain was different from the rest of Europe due to the FOLLOWING reasons:

a. Long Process- The growth of nationalism in Britain was a result of a long struggle and was not a sudden sporadic upheaval or revolution unlike rest of the Europe. It was a bloodless revolution by virtue of acts.

b. English National symbols- Prior to 18 century, there was no British nation as such rather there were primary ethnic identities like English, Welsh, Scot or Irish. All these ethnic groups had own cultural-political traditions.The symbols of the new Britain – the British flag (Union Jack), the national anthem (God Save Our Noble King), the English language – were actively promoted and the older nations survived only as subordinate partners in this union.

c. Role of PARLIAMENT- Unlike other European countries like Germany, Netherlands, Italy were wars, battles had to be waged, in Britain Parliament played a key role in seizing power from the monarchy and in setting up a nation state. For example,

1688: English Parliament seized power from the monarchy

1707: England and Scotland ENTER into the Act of Union

1801: Ireland was forcibly incorporated into the United KINGDOM

d. Suppression of DISTINCTIVE cultures- As English nation grew in power and influence it tried to suppress Scotland's distinctive culture and also forced them to speak English language in place of Gaelic language and they were not even allowed to wear their national dress. Ireland also experienced a similar fate whereby it was forcibly incorporated with United Kingdom in 1801.