Britain's empire declined dramatically over the 20th century following World War 2, with most colonies gaining independence between 1945-1975. By the late 20th century, the British Commonwealth had expanded to 53 members, though it now serves as a loose cultural association between former colonies. Britain joined the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1973, though some resentment remains over prior blocked applications. While English is now a dominant global language, Britain is transitioning to a post-industrial service economy with a high standard but comfortable pace of living.

1. CHAPTER 12
Britain and the Rest
of the World

2. The Past
The nineteenth history:
 Not long before this century began, Britain had
lost its most important American colonies in a
war of independence.
 When the century began, the country was
locked in a war with France, during which an
invasion by a French army was a real
possibility.
 Soon after the end of the century, Britain
controlled the biggest empire the world had
ever seen.

3. The British Empire in 1919
It was already becoming less of an
empire and more of a confederation.

4. The Past
 After World War I, the British Empire began to
turn itself into the British Commonwealth.
 What is the commonwealth?
 A collection of independent countries, all equal in
status whether they are large or small.
 There are no formal economic or political
advantages involved belonging to the
Commonwealth.
 It has helped to keep cultural contacts alive.
 How many member countries of the
Commonwealth were there in 1988?
 49 members

5. The Past
The twentieth century:
 By the beginning of this century, British was no
longer the world’s richest country. Whatever the
reason, the first twenty years of the century
were a period of extremism (chủ nghĩa cực
đoan) in Britain.
 The Suffragettes, women demanding the right to
vote, were prepared both to damage property
and to die for their belief.
 The problem of Ulster in the north of Ireland led
to a situation in which some sections of the
army appeared ready to disobey the
government.

6. The Past
 The government’s introduction of new types
and levels of taxation was opposed so
absolutely by the House of Lords that even
Parliament seemed to have an uncertain future
in its traditional form.
 By the end of the World War I, two of these
issues had been resolved to most people’s
satisfaction and the rather un-British climate of
extremism died out.
 What were two issues that had been
resolved?
 The Suffragettes and the taxation

7. The Past
 The real dismantling of the empire took
place in the twenty five years following
the Second World War and with the loss
of empire went a loss of power and
status. (related to 2 events: Suez and
Cyprus)
 Despite Britain’s loss of power and status
on the world stage, some small remnants
of the empire remain.

8. The Present
 How many member countries are there in
the Commonwealth?
 53
-
3 members in Europe
12 in North America
1 in South America
18 in Africa
8 in Asia
11 in Oceania

9. The Present
 Who is Head of the Commonwealth?
 The Queen
 Is she Head of State in some member
countries?
 Yes
 It is difficult to say what the
Commonwealth does and what holds it
together. It is, all above, a connection
with the past – a tradition.
 The English language is an important
common factor.

10. The EEC
 What does EEC stand for?
 The European Economic Community
 What is the EEC’s other name?
 The Common Market
 When did Britain join the EEC?
 1st Jan 1973
 Why is there still resentment in Britain
about its joining the EEC?
 Its applications to join the EEC were vetoed
by France.

11. The EEC
 What happened in 1979?
 24 commonwealth and 29 noncommonwealth countries were
associated.
 What event happened in June 1979?
 The first direct elections to the
European Parliament were held.

12. The EEC
 The EEC was an international organization
created with a view to bring about economic
integration among the Inner Six of European
integration
(Belgium, France, Germany,Italy, Luxembou
rg, Netherlands).
 The EEC was renamed the European
Community (EC) in 1993.
 Since Britain became a full member of the
EEC, all but a few of special trading
agreements between members have
gradually been discontinued.

13. English as an international language
 English is the most important
international language of
communication, business, politics, scienc
e and technology.
 The British Council was founded in 1934.
 Its purpose is to spread knowledge
overseas about Britain and British
Culture and to help people to learn the
language.

14. What is special about life in Britain?
 Many foreigners like living here.
 Life is lived at a comfortable, steady space even within a
competitive society.
 There are many social problems and there is an increase
in violent crime.
 The British are a law-abiding people.
 They have a strong sense of fair play.
 They now have expectations of raising their already high
standard of living but they are not always prepared to work
for it.
 They will decide on moderation and a still comfortable but
simpler life.
 Britain will become the first de-industrialized country.